About Us

We are a leading luxury furniture design and manufacturing company dedicated to crafting high-end furniture from our product range, custom versions as well as architectural metalwork for discerning clientele. Our commitment to exceptional quality, innovative design, and meticulous attention to detail is at the core of everything we do. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Production Manager to lead our manufacturing operations and ensure our products meet the highest standards of luxury and craftsmanship.

Job Summary

As a Senior Product Designer, you will lead projects from Sale through Design and Delivery, managing a significant portion of the company’s projects while maintaining target profit margins. You will effectively manage accounts to ensure a steady flow of work and actively lead and contribute to wider office, studio, and workshop improvements. Additionally, you will be tasked with developing new products and bringing them to market under guidance from the Creative Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Technical Execution:
  • Demonstrate a creative and original approach to design, delivering high-quality outputs across multiple types of projects.
  • Design within NOVOCASTRIAN’s company ethos, with a clear understanding of the differing needs of Private and Commercial clients.
  • Guide design direction and create the visuals required to convey design intent. Manage the risk of using known processes versus new processes.
  • Work up designs from initial concept to full production drawings.
  • Manage jobs through the manufacturing process, working closely with our team of makers and external suppliers.
  • Monitor projects through the workshop to ensure manufacturing success. Produce O&M manuals, and final handover documentation to successfully close out projects.
• Project & Commercial Management:
  • Manage designated project types from start to finish, including NOVOCASTRIAN products, Special Projects, Bespoke work, and Architectural Metalwork.
  • Ensure project budgets are met and flag any intended spend that exceeds the quoted allowance by over 5%.
  • Assist in job quoting when required.
  • Ensure strict compliance with our Standard Operating Procedures and our ISO9001 management system.
  • Monitor in-house resource burn and project profitability.
• Client Management:
  • Support the Directors in key client presentations, taking a lead role when asked.
  • Manage the client and gain approvals when required, keeping them informed of project particulars at all times.
• Team Leadership:
  • Manage, mentor, and train others when required, specifically acting as a mentor to Junior team members.
  • Lead by example in instilling a positive attitude and help enforce studio protocol.

Requirements & Experience

Essential:

• 8+ years of direct industry experience.
• Extensive experience in furniture design.
• Excellent concept design and technical drawing skills.
• High proficiency in Fusion 360, AutoCAD, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing techniques and technologies.
• A thorough knowledge of suppliers, materials, and capabilities, with a drive to seek out new suppliers and processes to innovate.
• Demonstrable experience successfully delivering multiple projects from initial concept through to final handover.
• A proactive and positive attitude, with the ability to be strong yet fair to all team members.
• Must have an existing right to work in the UK.
• Must have a car and be able to commute to Washington, Tyne & Wear.
• Must be able to start within 4 weeks of a job offer.

Preferable:

• Experience in luxury furniture design and lighting.
• Metalworking knowledge.

Benefits

• Early Friday finish
• Private healthcare after 2 years
• Enrollment in our quarterly profit share scheme

If this is a role you feel you could excel in please apply via the link below.