Senior Product Manager (Furniture)

Senior Product Technical, Quality Assurance & Supply Chain Manager – (Furniture)

Permanent

Leeds

Salary negotiable for the right candidate

The Client

With over 40 years of experience in the manufacture, import and distribution of internal and external doors, our client is at the forefront of cutting-edge door design. Setting the standard in high quality, they offer an extensive collection of door designs specifically tailored to their customers needs to ensure they provide the most innovative, visually appealing and technologically advanced products. 

One of the largest companies of their kind in the UK, they are looking for someone to help expand their newly launched furniture division and help grow this.

The Role

The Senior Product Technical, Quality Assurance & Supply Chain Manager will lead the quality assurance, technical evaluation, and supply chain management for their range of furniture products. This role is pivotal in ensuring that all products meet the highest standards of quality, comply with UK and EU regulations, and are efficiently moved through the supply chain. The manager will oversee supplier relationships and ensure supply chain compliance, working closely with suppliers, internal teams, and regulatory bodies.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Assurance & Technical Oversight

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance processes for furniture products.
• Ensure compliance with ISO, BIFMA, and BS EN standards, alongside UK and EU regulations.
• Conduct regular quality audits, both internally and at supplier sites.

Supply Chain & Supplier Management

• Manage and optimize supply chain processes for furniture products.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with factories and suppliers, ensuring adherence to quality and supply chain standards.
• Implement Lean, Six Sigma, or TQM methodologies to enhance supply chain efficiency and product quality.

Compliance and Standards Expertise

• Ensure all products meet industry-specific standards and compliance requirements.
• Stay abreast of regulatory changes and industry best practices.
• Oversee product testing and certification processes.

Cross-Functional Team Leadership

• Lead a cross-functional team encompassing QA, technical, and supply chain professionals.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the team.
• Facilitate training and knowledge sharing in Six Sigma, Lean, TQM, and relevant standards. Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement
• Develop strategic plans for product quality and supply chain optimization.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives across both product lines.
• Identify and manage risks within the supply chain.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (such as product development, sales, and customer service) to align quality and supply chain strategies.
• Communicate effectively with external stakeholders, including suppliers and regulatory bodies.

Key Requirements

Educational Background

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of experience in a senior role managing quality assurance and supply chain in the furniture industry.

International Procurement

• Have experience and knowledge of procuring furniture in the Far-East.

Certifications

• Certified in Six Sigma, Lean Management, TQM, or a similar methodology.

Specific Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of furniture manufacturing processes and materials.
• Familiarity with UK and EU furniture regulations and compliance standards.
• Proficient in quality assurance methodologies and tools.
• Expertise/knowledge of ISO, BIFMA, and BS EN standards.
• Proven experience in supplier management and supply chain optimization.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage cross-functional teams.
• Excellent strategic planning, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Travel

• The role may require regular travel, both domestically and internationally, to visit suppliers, factories, and industry events.