Furniture Technologist

Buy It Direct Group; England; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading online furniture retailer is seeking a Furniture Technologist to enhance quality assurance and improve product offerings. The role involves collaborating with buyers and factories, managing quality inspections, and developing new products. Ideal candidates will have over 5 years of experience and a strong passion for furniture, alongside solid technical support skills. This position offers a competitive salary and a creative culture within a dynamic team.

Benefits

Healthcare cash plan

Free parking

Birthday off after a year

Holiday purchase scheme

Staff discount scheme

Autonomy to make a difference

Qualifications

• 5+ years as a Product / Furniture Technologist across various furniture types.
• Experience with product standards and safety regulations.
• Ability to interpret manufacturing standards and compliance documents.

Responsibilities

• Act as a link between Buying, factories, and QA for product quality.
• Provide support for new product development including testing.
• Use data tools to identify issues and recommend improvements.
• Manage inspection reports and oversee quality checks.

Skills

Furniture knowledge

Commercial thinking

Attention to detail

Multitasking skills

Data analysis

Job description

Overview

Furniture Technologist East Midlands Distribution Centre - Castle Donington Commercial Full time Permanent

Buy It Direct is one of the UK’s leading online retailers and, as our Furniture business continues to grow, we’re looking for a Furniture Technologist to join our QA team. This role is based at our EMDC, Castle Donington site, with regular on-site working.

This is a great opportunity for someone with strong knowledge of furniture and upholstery — from design and construction to production methods. You’ll work closely with our factories, buying teams, and wider business to deliver outstanding products, reduce returns, and improve the customer experience.

Who we are

• Furniture was acquired by Buy It Direct in and has grown significantly since then.
• We sell around , furniture items each year, sourced from three continents.
• Our head office is in Huddersfield, our main distribution centre is in Derby, and we have an international QC team.
• Visit our website to see more about what we do.

Responsibilities

• Act as a key link between Buying, factories, and QA to improve product quality and reduce customer returns.
• Provide technical support for new product development, including testing, documentation, and compliance for various types of furniture, such as upholstery, cabinetry, chairs, beds, and nursery furniture.
• Use data and quality tools to identify recurring issues and recommend product improvements.
• Build strong relationships with buyers and suppliers, balancing priorities through regular calibration and collaboration.
• Review and approve pre-shipment inspection reports to ensure specification and quality compliance.
• Manage swatches, materials, and colour specifications to maintain consistency and control.
• Oversee Goods-In inspections and in-house product checks to verify quality standards.

Qualifications

• A passion for furniture with at least 5 years’ experience as a Product / Furniture Technologist, ideally across hard, upholstered, and garden furniture.
• Strong commercial thinking and confidence working with data.
• Knowledge of courier packaging development.
• Excellent attention to detail, multitasking skills, and ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Proven experience in product appraisal within manufacturing, retail, or supply, with strong knowledge of product standards, safety, and material regulations.
• Ability to interpret manufacturing standards, test certificates, and compliance documents.
• Resilience to work under pressure in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• A valid UK driving licence.

What we offer

• The opportunity to make a real difference in the supply chain of a leading furniture retailer.
• A creative and innovative working culture.
• Great career progression opportunities within a successful online business.
• Potential international travel to suppliers.
• A competitive salary of up to £45, per annum dependent on experience and benefits package.

At Buy It Direct, we dare to be different. We've built this business from the ground up to become one of the UK's largest and fastest growing online retailers. We are proud of the products and services we provide across our six well recognised, award-winning online brands including Laptops Direct, Appliances Direct, Better Bathrooms and Furniture. We listen, learn and challenge the status quo, paying attention to the details that matter and want to delight our customers by putting them at the heart of what we do, to really understand what matters to them.

Hours & Benefits

• Healthcare cash plan
• Free parking
• Birthday off after a year
• Holiday purchase scheme so you can get that work life balance
• Staff discount scheme
• Autonomy to make a difference