Product Developer, Soho Home - 12 Month FTC

The Role…

As a Product Developer within our Upholstery team, you will be responsible for bringing commercially viable, design-led furniture to life—from initial concept through to production. Working closely with Design, Product Development, and Sourcing, you will ensure all products are developed to meet quality, cost, and timeline expectations while staying true to brand vision. 

*This role is a 12-Month fixed term contract*

Key Responsibilities…

Product & Technical

• Own the end-to-end development of upholstery products from concept through to production
• Translate design briefs into detailed product specifications, ensuring feasibility and consistency
• Manage the development critical path, ensuring key milestones are met
• Lead on construction, comfort, and material specifications (frames, fillings, fabrics, finishes)
• Work closely with suppliers to refine prototypes, ensuring quality and cost targets are achieved
• Troubleshoot development issues, proposing solutions without compromising design integrity
• Work with QA teams on testing protocols and approvals
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and product data

Supplier Management

• Partner with global suppliers to develop and engineer products to required standards
• Conduct regular reviews on prototypes, samples, and production readiness
• Build strong supplier relationships to drive innovation and continuous improvement

Commercial Awareness

• Ensure products are developed within target cost prices and margin expectations
• Understand customer needs and market trends to inform product decisions

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Design to maintain creative intent throughout development
• Partner with Merchandising, Sourcing, and Logistics teams to ensure smooth product launches
• Support range building and sign-off processes

Experience Required

• Proven experience in upholstery product development within a retail or furniture brand
• Strong technical understanding of upholstery construction, materials, and manufacturing processes
• Experience working with overseas suppliers (e.g. Europe/Asia)
• Commercially aware, with the ability to balance cost, quality, and design
• Excellent project management and organisational skills
• Confident communicator, able to influence cross-functional teams and suppliers
• Detail-oriented with a problem-solving mindset

Desirable Skills and Experience 

• Experience working in an in-house design-led brand
• Knowledge of testing and compliance standards for upholstery (e.g. fire regulations, durability)
• Exposure to sustainable materials and responsible sourcing practices