About us:
At Nkuku (Nuh–ku–ku), we create beautifully handmade home and lifestyle products. We work with artisans throughout the world, combining timeless design with traditional skills and natural materials. Our brand is underpinned by 3 core values: Ethical, Eco-Friendly and Handmade, and these values are integral to all that we say and do.
The sense of “family” is an important element that runs throughout the company. The culture is friendly and informal but professional and focused. The emphasis is on team and working together for the good of the company. We support and respect each other and work together with a common goal.
About you:
We are looking for a real team player, with excellent communication skills as well as having a positive “can-do” attitude to life, as well as the ability to multi-task on a high number of initiatives all at different stages of development.
You will have a great eye for design which complements our existing ranges, whilst bringing a freshness and new ideas into what we are developing as a brand. You will enjoy being accurate in what you do, as well as being a completer-finisher in getting things done.
We’re an ethical and inclusive employer so want you to feel free to be yourself, also possessing the ability to bring our core values alive in everything you do.
About this role:
Reporting to our Director of New Product Development, this is an exciting role within our friendly Product Development team, of a fast-paced and ethical wholesale and multi-channel retail business. This is a great opportunity to manage a handful of categories developing product from concept to launch in order to build an enduring product collection in line with Nkuku’s founding and ethical principles, all within a leading lifestyle homewares brand.
Experience within a similar brand and sector is important, however “getting us as a brand aesthetic” is seen as critical to our combined success. We are open to flexible hybrid working though this role would naturally suit someone based in the Southwest with the ability to commute on a regular basis to Totnes.
This role will also involve overseas travel a few times each year to attend trade shows and visit our suppliers, helping build and maintain our relationships; simultaneously speeding up the sampling process by approving and or troubleshooting issues whilst there.
About your key responsibilities:
1. Complete 360-degree product development ownership across multiple categories - working with the merchandising team to follow product through the whole development life cycle, meeting deadlines across different critical paths.
2. Working with the relevant teams, to see the product through from concept to delivery.
3. Work closely with merchandising in determining gaps within our existing product collection – staying close to sales data to ensure commercial launch.
4. Working closely with B2C and B2B teams to understand customer needs across a multichannel business.
5. Identify gaps and opportunities within your selected categories that support business growth. Brief and develop unique designs that align with brand values.
6. Work with the manufacturers who are mainly based in India and Asia to ensure the products are negotiated at the right price, whilst meeting Nkuku’s quality, design and ethical principles.
7. Working with our Indian agent and operations ensure sourcing strategy and QC requirements are being fulfilled.
8. Work closely with all key stakeholders to ensure a successful season launch.
9. Critical path management.
10. KPI’s measured on growth of category, average return per SKU and margin contribution.
11. Review existing collections to identify opportunities for improvement in quality control, materials, and packaging.
12. Ensure collaboration with Marketing and ecommerce, to ensure products are launched and presented reflecting their original design intention.
13. General administration, including managing the product database, updating information, and maintaining records.
14. Product delivery schedule tracking.
15. Competitor Shopping and market analysis, keeping up to date with the latest design and consumer trends.
16. Sample management – chasing, tracking, unpacking, storing and disposal, with support from team assistant.
17. Checking product specifications and packaging with suppliers.
About your skills and knowledge:
1. 5+ years experience of product development and buying in the home sector.
2. Good organization skills and disciplined approach to deadlines, with an ability to manage complex workload.
3. Highly motivated with an attention to detail and accuracy.
4. Proactive self-starter with strong follow-through to completion.
5. Excellent communicator, with good computer skills and the ability to pick up IT systems quickly.
6. Ability to work flexibly and use initiative.
7. A passion for Nkuku’s brand values, combined with a keen interest for home interiors, a strong creative eye and ability to develop exciting new product lines.
8. A creative proactive problem solver with a willingness to learn.
9. Builds effective and open relationships with all members of the Nkuku team.
10. Ability to work as part of a team, under pressure, all with a proactive can-do attitude.
About your Benefits:
1. A competitive salary and incentives.
2. 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays.
3. Statutory Pension.
4. BUPA healthcare Plan and Employee Assistance Program.
5. Life cover Insurance.
6. Company Cycle to work scheme.
7. Great team discounts on Nkuku products and within the Café.
8. Paid Charity Volunteering Days.
9. Charitable Giving Program.
10. Reciprocal Discounts with other like-minded companies.
11. Fitness Classes.
12. We’re a growing business that encourages our people to grow with us.
13. To be around like-minded people who want to offer great service within a relaxed, friendly and ethically conscious environment.
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