SENIOR PRODUCT DESIGNER

Novocastrian LTD; Washington; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Early Friday finish

Private healthcare after 2 years

Job summary

Novocastrian LTD is a leading luxury furniture design company located in Washington, UK, seeking a skilled Production Manager. This role involves leading manufacturing operations while ensuring product quality and craftsmanship meet luxury standards.

As the Production Manager, you will manage diverse projects and support the team to achieve excellence. An ideal candidate has over 8 years of experience in design and technical execution with specific tools like Fusion 360 and AutoCAD. The position offers the chance to work in a creative environment focused on high-end furniture.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of direct industry experience.
• High proficiency in Fusion 360, AutoCAD, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing techniques and technologies.
• Demonstrable experience successfully delivering multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects from sale through design and delivery.
• Manage jobs through the manufacturing process.
• Monitor projects to ensure manufacturing success.
• Manage designated project types from start to finish.
• Support directors in client presentations.
• Manage and mentor junior team members.

Skills

Concept design

Technical drawing

Fusion 360

AutoCAD

Photoshop

InDesign

Job description

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.
• 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

• 8+ years of direct industry experience.
• 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.
• Experience in luxury furniture design and lighting.
• Metalworking knowledge.
• Early Friday finish.
• Private healthcare after 2 years.