Senior Design Manager - Innovation & Trends

Pineapple Furniture; Aylesford; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in innovative furniture design is seeking a Senior Design Manager to drive creativity and sustainability. This role involves managing projects, conducting trend research, and mentoring a team. Join a family-run business dedicated to quality and innovation.

Benefits

Competitive pay and pension scheme

Healthcare Cash Plan and discounts

25 days annual leave including bank holidays and birthday leave

Workplace nursery scheme

Tree planting for new starters

Team socials, pizza Fridays, snacks

Employee referral bonus

Company volunteering days

High-quality office environment and free parking

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a creative design role within furniture or home interiors.
• Strong portfolio showcasing innovative, trend-driven designs.

Responsibilities

• Drive innovation and keep Pineapple ahead of design trends.
• Manage multiple projects and mentor a small team of creative professionals.

Skills

Leadership

Creativity

Communication

Trend Research

Education

Bachelor's degree in Product Design

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design

Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

JOB TITLE:

Senior Design Manager - Innovation & Trends

LOCATION:

Either based in Aylesford, Kent, or Remote. You will be required on occasion to visit our office.

WORKING HOURS:

8am - 4.30pm

A Bit About The Role

We are looking for a talented Creative Designer to drive innovation and keep Pineapple at the forefront of design trends. In this role, you will create visually compelling and manufacturable designs, blending creativity with sustainability to reduce our environmental footprint. You will conduct trend research, attend industry trade shows, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform insights into commercially successful products.

As a key player in our design team, you will manage multiple projects, provide insightful design feedback, and mentor a small team of creative professionals. If you have a passion for trend-driven design, strong leadership skills, and a keen eye for innovation, we'd love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

1. Bring innovation to the forefront, ensuring Pineapple stays ahead of emerging design trends.
2. Create visually compelling, manufacturable designs that blend creativity with sustainability, reducing Pineapple's environmental footprint.
3. Conduct in-depth trend research using forecasting platforms, social media insights, and competitor analysis to inform design decisions.
4. Attend industry trade shows, develop trend summaries, and share findings with teams to incorporate into designs.
5. Develop and implement creative strategies aligned with the company's vision to strengthen market position.
6. Collaborate with teams to translate trends into actionable, commercially viable designs.
7. Manage multiple projects, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
8. Lead and mentor a small team of creative professionals, fostering an inspiring work environment.
9. Provide guidance and mentorship to team members for professional growth.
10. Offer insightful design feedback during reviews to enhance creativity and functionality.
11. Translate stakeholder feedback into clear design sketches and bring concepts to life.
12. Support team members during absences, demonstrating adaptability and reliability.
13. Prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree in Product Design, Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or related field.
2. Proven experience in a creative design role within furniture or home interiors.
3. Strong portfolio showcasing innovative, trend-driven, and manufacturable designs.
4. Deep knowledge of current and emerging design trends, with ability to translate into products.
5. Proficiency in SolidWorks software.
6. Experience in trend forecasting and competitor research.
7. Skilled in creating conceptual sketches and briefing engineering teams.
8. If remote, occasional visits to our Aylesford office are required.
9. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
10. Enthusiastic with the ability to give actionable feedback.
11. Willingness to travel for trade shows and meetings.
12. Excellent communication skills.
13. Embodies our company values: Teamwork, Commitment, Ownership, Positivity, Responsiveness.

Why work for us

Pineapple is a leader in designing and manufacturing innovative furniture solutions for challenging environments. A family-run company since 1975, with a global presence and a commitment to mindful design that fosters a calm, supportive environment. Join us to be part of a team dedicated to quality, innovation, sustainability, and customer care.

Benefits

• Recognized as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024
• Competitive pay and pension scheme
• Healthcare Cash Plan and discounts
• 25 days annual leave including bank holidays and birthday leave
• Workplace nursery scheme
• Tree planting in UK and abroad for new starters
• Sustainability focus
• Team socials, pizza Fridays, snacks
• Employee referral bonus
• Company volunteering days
• High-quality office environment and free parking

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified persons. Agencies, thank you for your support.