Technical Product Designer Furniture

Summary

Howdens is looking for a Technical Product Designer to join the Technical Development team, in this role you will play a crucial part in ensuring our products are fit for purpose and meet all necessary standards for the market.

What will you be doing as a Technical Product Designer

• Primarily working on New Product Introduction (NPI), resourcing, and product change but also driving Continuous Improvement of product performance
• Ensuring products are intrinsically safe, legally compliant, reliable, trade quality, and easy to install.
• Work with internal and external manufacturers/suppliers across a broad spectrum of product areas
• Manage and conduct product fit and function tests of product to assess performance and ease of installation.
• Creation of Information Booklets, User Manuals and Installation guides.
• Creating and approving technical specification documents, standards and drawings
• Responsible for product, packaging and identification
• Lead and support technical concern investigations.
• Managing relationships with all relevant trade bodies, federations and guilds.
• Supporting depot queries for product information, installation advice and technical enquiries.

What do I need to qualify for the Product Technical Designer

• Proven track record in a similar role in a comparable industry coupled with the technical knowledge to match.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work well independently or as part of a team.
• Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline or relevant experience
• Understanding in domestic fitted furniture or joinery installations
• Knowledge and expertise in manufacturing processes and materials.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement tools.
• Ability to interpret and read engineering drawings.
• Operational understanding of a complex and diverse supply chain.
• Capability to drive and implement change.
• Skill in preparing and presenting proposals to senior management, suppliers, and other departments.
• Excellent relationship management skills
• Experience in working with a global supply base would be advantageous
• Full driving licence
• Valid passport as international travel may be required

What can we offer you as a Product Technical developer

• Competitive Salary + Bonus
• Pension Plan with a maximum company contribution of 12%
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays with an opportunity to purchase additional days
• Staff discount
• Ongoing support and development
• Friendly and supportive environment offering exceptional reward and recognition

About Us

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier, providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 800 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. With an ambitious and credible growth plan, we continue to build on our £2.3 billion sales made last year.

There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment.  That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens – and why we have been named as one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.

How to apply

We are building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA. If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career as a Product Technical Developer, then we are keen to hear from you.

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.