Product Developer

Full Job Description

About the Company

Dagmar is a fast growing, high-end Scandinavian design brand headquartered in London with a well established global customer base. We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Product Developer to help us meet our ambitious growth targets over the coming years. The ideal candidate will have a detailed understanding of furniture manufacturing and a genuine passion for modern design. Our furniture collections include contemporary pieces as well as iconic Scandinavian designs re-launched under licence. We have a strict focus on quality craftsmanship and traditional methods of production, working exclusively with small-batch Scandinavian manufacturers.

About The Role

You will be part of an agile product team and work closely with our external manufacturing partners in Denmark and Sweden. You will ensure new products are developed efficiently, launched on time and produced at scale to a consistently high standard. Post product-launch you will focus on maintaining our strict quality control systems and continue to look for improvements and efficiencies in the production process. You will regularly visit our manufacturers in Europe to understand their processes and foster close working relationships.

As part of a rapidly growing team it is essential that you are proactive and comfortable working autonomously. The role requires someone who has the drive and creativity required to meet our ambitious targets. You will report directly to the CEO and be a senior member of the product team. You will work closely with your team to shape our creative strategy and maintain a consistent, long-term product funnel. An ability to build and maintain strong relationships with manufacturing partners and suppliers is essential. Prior experience working in the Scandinavian design industry would be extremely beneficial. This is an incredible opportunity to help build a brand and be part of our journey. 

Responsibilities

• Efficiently manage our product funnel so new furniture is consistently delivered on time and within budget 
• Source new suppliers and manufacturing partners in Europe to develop and produce our range of furniture products including: upholstered chairs & sofas, wood frame chairs, tables, desks and cabinets. 
• Conduct regular factory visits to build relationships with our partners and ensure our products are made to standard
• Work with the CEO and product team to improve & implement our product development and delivery strategy in order to meet ambitious targets
• Main point of contact with 3rd party manufacturers in Europe for all technical matters
• Assist the Supply Chain Manager in problem-solving production issues as they arise
• Ensure our products meet relevant safety standards in all territories we operate in
• Collaborate effectively with the Sales & Marketing teams to apply customer and market insights to the development process and ensure effective product launches

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of relevant product experience in the furniture industry
• Relevant education, certification or practical technical training in product development, design, cabinetmaking or upholstery
• Proven ability to plan and execute development projects cost-effectively and on time
• Detailed understanding of furniture making and wood finishing is essential
• Strong commercial sense, industry expertise and broad business knowledge
• Willingness and ability to travel to Europe as required (4-6 times per year)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience in research and development (R&D) and project management
• Knowledge of modern furniture manufacturing techniques
• Ability to use design and prototyping software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks and SketchUp

What We Offer

We offer a fast-paced and rewarding working environment with a young team who are dedicated to meeting our ambitious goals. Quality is at the heart of everything we do from the products we design and make to the customer experience we strive to offer. We have an entrepreneurial culture and encourage team members at all levels to contribute their own ideas and shape the company they want to work for. Our recently refurbished offices and showroom are located in Clerkenwell in the heart of London’s architecture and design district. We encourage all employees to work on-site as much as possible to foster a collaborative and personal work ethic. Hybrid working will also be considered.

• £45k base salary
• Company profit-share scheme after qualifying period

About the Business

Dagmar was founded in 2012 with a simple mission: to showcase the best in 20th century Scandinavian design. We are dedicated to promoting the values and traditions of this period and continuing the legacies of the designers whose unique creativity left an indelible mark on global culture. 

Scandinavian design has long been recognised as the perfect marriage between aesthetic beauty and functionality. This feat was achieved thanks to a supreme level of craftsmanship and the utilisation of the finest materials in the world. We apply these same principles to the furniture that we design & produce across three distinct collections.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Application Deadline: As soon as possible

Preferred Start Date: As soon as possible