Head of Design — Premium Interiors (London)

Harmonic Operations | Certified B Corp; Slough; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Harmonic is seeking a Head of Design in London to lead the design and technical development function from concept through to manufacture and launch. You will translate leadership input into commercially viable products while ensuring quality, sustainability and aesthetics.

You will shape the product portfolio, collaborate with Purchasing, Supply Chain, Production, Sales and Marketing, and drive innovation with a strong manufacturing focus.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a product design or technical design team.
• Strong experience within furniture manufacturing or related manufacturing environment.
• Thorough understanding of product development from initial concept through to manufacture.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials and production techniques.
• Commercially minded with ability to balance design excellence with profitability.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple NPD projects.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management across departments.
• Experience working with external designers, suppliers and manufacturing partners.
• CAD and technical drawing experience.
• Strong analytical skills using sales data and market trends.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Technical Design team, creating a collaborative culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
• Own the complete New Product Development programme, from initial concept, prototyping and testing through to manufacture and launch.
• Translate ideas from the Managing Director, customers and external designers into commercially viable, manufacturable products.
• Develop and maintain a strategic product roadmap aligned with the company's commercial objectives.
• Review the existing product portfolio, identifying opportunities to improve, refresh or rationalise ranges.
• Use sales performance, customer feedback, competitor activity and wider market trends to inform future product development.
• Work closely with Purchasing, Supply Chain and manufacturing partners to identify new materials, manufacturing innovations, cost efficiencies and sustainable alternatives.
• Coordinate NPD projects across Design, Purchasing, Sales, Production, Marketing and Customer Services, ensuring timelines, risks and communication are managed effectively.
• Partner with Marketing and Creative on new product launches, including technical information, product collateral, photography, showroom presentation and product training.
• Oversee bespoke and special product developments, ensuring solutions remain commercially viable while meeting the required design standards.
• Develop best practice across the design and product development process, improving the efficiency and structure of NPD.
• Build strong relationships with external designers, suppliers and manufacturing partners to support continued product innovation.

Skills

Leadership of design team

Furniture manufacturing experience

Product development from concept to m'

Materials & production techniques

Commercial mindset

Project management

Stakeholder management

External designers/suppliers

CAD

Technical drawing

Tools

CAD

Job description

Harmonic is seeking a Head of Design in London to lead the design and technical development function from concept through to manufacture and launch. You will translate leadership input into commercially viable products while ensuring quality, sustainability and aesthetics.

You will shape the product portfolio, collaborate with Purchasing, Supply Chain, Production, Sales and Marketing, and drive innovation with a strong manufacturing focus.