The Role..
We are seeking an experienced Furniture & Lighting Product Technologist to join our Quality, Compliance & Technical (QCT) team, reporting to the Global Head of Quality & Compliance. The role will be accountable for driving product quality, safety and regulatory compliance across furniture and lighting, working closely with internal and external partners including Design, Product Development, Operations, Support, Production, third-party Consultants and Test laboratories.
Working from initial design brief through development to product launch and beyond, the Product Technologist will ensure that technical, structural, material, safety and compliance requirements are fully considered and embedded throughout the product development and production process. The role will require a strong understanding of global regulatory requirements, with expertise across the UK, US and European markets.
This is a hands-on and highly collaborative role, requiring both technical rigour and an appreciation of design integrity. The successful candidate will be confident working within the luxury interiors sector, ensuring that products meet the highest standards of quality, performance and safety without compromising the original design intent.
International travel is an important and mandatory part of the role, including visits to factories, test laboratories and other relevant partners.
What We Are Looking For..
The ideal candidate will have a technical-based background / education with a keen attention to detail and the ability to deliver within tight deadlines. Previous experience working for a high-end or luxury interiors, furniture, lighting or lifestyle brand in a technical role, covering product testing, supplier engagement is required with a strong personal interest in design, particularly furniture and lighting is desirable along with an interest in data presentation and analysis.
Skills & Competencies
- Exceptional attention to detail, with a diligent and methodical approach to technical and compliance requirements.
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues, assess risk and develop practical solutions.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple products, projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Ability to work effectively and deliver to tight deadlines without compromising attention to detail or quality.
- Proactive approach, with the confidence to identify potential risk and present corrective action plans to the business in a timely manner.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical and analytical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical colleagues.
- Ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with external and internal stakeholders.
- Comfortable working independently while also contributing effectively within a small, collaborative team.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Personal Attributes
- Passionate about product quality, craftsmanship and technical excellence.
- Genuine interest in furniture, lighting and the wider world of luxury interiors.
- Strong appreciation for design integrity, with the ability to balance creative ambition with technical, safety and regulatory requirements.
- Diligent, conscientious and highly detail oriented.
- Curious and eager to learn, with a commitment to keeping knowledge of regulations, standards and industry developments up to date and current.
- Pragmatic and solutions-focused, with the ability to navigate complex technical challenges constructively.
- Confident and credible when engaging with manufacturing partners.
- Collaborative, approachable and able to develop positive working relationships.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Accountable for driving product quality and compliance for furniture and lighting operating within the Quality, Compliance and Technical team to ensure product and supplier legal compliance. Capability to reliably follow technical details and direction accurately producing technical documents and reports with a high level of accuracy and detail.
Product Development & Technical Expertise
- Partner closely with Design and Product Development teams from initial design brief through sampling, development and product launch, ensuring all technical, quality, safety and compliance considerations are addressed throughout the process.
- Conduct detailed technical reviews of furniture and lighting products and packaging, assessing construction, workmanship, materials, functionality, safety and performance.
- Assess the technical feasibility and suitability of materials, components and construction methods, identifying potential issues early in the development process.
- Evaluate key test standards and certification requirements to ensure products meet all applicable legislation, safety and performance standards while protecting design.
- Create and maintain comprehensive technical specifications, tolerances and product documentation developing assembly instructions, care guides with suppliers
Quality, Compliance & Product Safety
- Maintain a strong and current understanding of relevant legislation, regulations and testing standards governing furniture and lighting across the UK, US and European markets.
- Ensure products and suppliers meet all applicable legal, regulatory and product quality requirements verified through testing and technical assessment.
- Undertake product safety and risk assessments, identifying potential hazards and implementing appropriate mitigation measures.
- Complete and maintain declarations of conformity and other relevant compliance documentation.
- Review test results and certification documentation, identifying non-conformities and ensuring appropriate actions are implemented.
Supplier & Manufacturing Quality
- Work closely with suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure consistent compliance with technical, quality and regulatory requirements.
- Assess supplier technical capabilities, manufacturing processes and quality standards.
- Participate in and support supplier audits, using findings to identify opportunities for improvement and mitigate risks.
- Assess workmanship and construction quality, ensuring products meet the required standards and reflect the quality expected of a luxury interiors brand.
- Monitor product and supplier performance, identifying trends, recurring issues and areas requiring corrective action.
- Establish clear technical expectations with suppliers and work collaboratively with them to resolve issues and improve product performance.
Testing, Budget & Continuous Improvement
- Coordinate seasonal testing programmes across relevant product categories, laboratories and manufacturing partners.
- Manage the seasonal furniture and upholstery testing budget, ensuring testing is appropriately planned, prioritised and delivered within agreed financial parameters.
- Maintain accurate records of testing, compliance, risk assessments, technical specifications and corrective actions.
- Proactively identify potential technical, quality and compliance risks throughout the product lifecycle and implement appropriate solutions.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of product quality, supplier performance and technical processes.
Benefits…
Soho House offers competitive compensation packages that feature global benefits and perks. Whether you’re seeking entry-level employment or a new opportunity to expand your profession, we offer training to develop the technical and managerial skills necessary to grow your career.
- Annual Every House Membership
- 50% off Food & Drink, 7 days a week
- Staff Room Rates
- Private Health and Dental Care
- Weekly Pay
- Life Assurance
- Up to 50% Staff Discount on Cowshed & Soho Home
- In Office Dog Policy on Fridays
- Season Ticket Loan
- Christmas Office Closure
- In conjunction with Soho Impact, take 2 days paid a year to support a charity of your choice.
- Free Counselling Sessions
- Cookhouse & House Tonic: Our Cookhouse & House Tonic programmes offer unique food and drink trainings, events and opportunities to inspire and educate.
- Continuous training to develop yourself personally and professionally
- Exclusive access to our benefits platform with hundreds of discounts on shopping, gym memberships, holidays, insurance and much more
- Team Events: From fitness sessions to cinema screenings and art classes, each month we hold a series of fun events which you can sign up to
