Furniture Designer and Product Developer_Coricraft – Cape Town

TFG (The Foschini Group); Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading retail company as a Furniture Designer where you'll leverage trends to influence product development, ensure commercial execution, and prepare strategic proposals. Collaborate with various teams to enhance product alignment and drive sales, contributing to a dynamic workspace focused on quality and innovation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ Furniture Design and Technical Manufacturing experience essential.
• Relevant retail & brand experience is essential.
• Furniture factory managing experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Stay up-to-date with furniture trends and ensure alignment with the product strategy.
• Work with trend researchers to identify new opportunities.
• Collaborate with buyers for Range Review preparations.

Skills

Computer literate

Proficient in design programs

Good with Excel

Project Management skills

Good verbal and written communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Diploma in Interior and Furniture Design

Tools

Inventor

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Responsibilities

• Stay up-to-date with furniture trends and apply insights to product development, ensuring alignment with the furniture product strategy and driving commercial execution.
• Plan timelines 6 to 12 months ahead.
• Understand the performance of furniture styles at each stage of the product lifecycle; determine which products need updates, which are new, and which should be phased out, and strategize how to replace sales.
• Prepare for seasonal workshops by collaborating closely with trend, supplier, and buying teams.
• Collate and present a proposal of concepts to the business, including product visuals and sources of supply.
• Understand the broader business and product strategy to align technical development with organizational goals.
• Take clear direction from the buying team, translating their focus areas into actionable development.
• Work with trend researchers to identify new opportunities based on global lifestyle and product trends.
• Design and develop styles that are engineered to meet quality standards while ensuring they align with targeted cost and commercial value.
• Update best sellers with fresh styling details and materials, and develop new, innovative items that contribute to revenue growth.
• Present the final product to the buying team, along with accurate costings.
• Identify and source suppliers, working with the buying team to review the supply base and identify gaps. Source new factories to fill strategic gaps that meet group standards.
• Collaborate with buyers to prepare for Range Review, ensuring the product meets target price points, minimum order quantities, and timelines.
• Ensure sample dates are met aligned to merchandise buying calendar for Range reviews and production order signoff.
• Ensure the DC teams have the necessary assembly instructions and tools for new products, and that training is provided for new material types and product categories.
• Supply relevant documentation to support training and product knowledge for sales teams.

Qualifications And Experience

• Diploma in Interior and Furniture Design
• Relevant retail & brand experience is essential
• Minimum 3 years’ Furniture Design and Technical Manufacturing experience is essential
• Furniture factory managing experience is desirable

Skills

• Computer literate
• Proficient in design programs such as Inventor, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar
• Good with Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Digitally savvy
• Project Management skills (activations, new store openings, launches, CSI, etc.)
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Good organisational and planning skills
• Commercial awareness
• Ability to work independently and show initiative
• Adaptability
• Good team working skills
• Strong numerical and analytical skills
• Passion for retail and the furniture environment
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Attention to detail

Behaviours

• Leadership and team development
• Applying market and business insights to drive objectives
• Effective communication of ideas
• Fostering creativity and success
• Understanding financial concepts for decision making
• Resolving organisational problems through interpretation of complex information
• Navigating processes, systems, and people dynamics
• Strategic thinking focused on long-term goals

Note: Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups as per the Employment Equity Act.

About Us

Who we are is because of our people. They are our greatest asset. TFG is an internationally diversified retail portfolio of 34 speciality lifestyle and apparel brands that Inspire our Customers to live their Best Lives. Our vision is to create remarkable omnichannel experiences. TFG is more than a workplace; it's a launchpad for growth. Join us and explore opportunities across our brands. We’re a purpose-led business, and on this team, you’ll share the pride of making an industry impact.

About The Team

Since 1995, Coricraft has become Southern Africa’s interior inspiration. With 44 showrooms across South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana, and an online presence, we bring furniture to wherever you are. Proudly local, our Cape Town factory produces custom furniture with skilled craftsmanship, offering value for money and making Coricraft South Africa’s most desirable furniture destination.