Job Description

From sofas and sideboards to beds and dining tables, our furniture is designed with real homes in mind. We believe in buying well and buying once, ensuring our responsibly sourced furniture offers genuine quality that lasts.



Reporting to the Product Quality Technical Manager, we are seeking a diligent, proactive, and detail-oriented Product Quality Technologist to support our product strategy across both cabinet and upholstered furniture ranges, including accessories. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring our products meet the required quality, safety, and compliance standards.



You'll join us at our Swindon head office, and we offer a hybrid working pattern with three days at home and two days in the office each week.



Working closely with internal teams and external suppliers, you will contribute to the development of new products and ranges, whilst regularly reviewing existing lines. Your expertise will ensure our furniture remains fit for purpose, adheres to regulatory and industry standards, and delivers quality, style, and lasting value that our customers can trust.

Key responsibilities:

Product Development



Support the development of new furniture ranges (cabinet, upholstery, and accessories), collaborating with commercial and sourcing teams.

Review technical drawings and specifications to ensure feasibility, functionality, and compliance with safety standards.

Conduct risk assessments and suggest modifications to improve product quality, durability, and customer satisfaction.

Support the Compliance and Standards Specialist in defining product quality and technical standards to meet conformance protocols for durability, safety, and performance.

Ensure alignment across categories to maintain consistency in product quality and standards.



Quality Assurance



Analyse category and product performance data identifying trends and implementing corrective actions to maintain quality standards.

Ensure all products meet quality standards and comply with relevant UK, EU, and wider global regulations, fulfilling Product Technical File (PTF) requirements.

Conduct quality inspections and showroom visits, providing technical feedback to internal teams and suppliers.

Maintain accurate records of technical specifications and product lifecycle data for both new and existing products.

Guiding Far East colleagues with quality assurance processes.



Continuous Improvement



Investigate product faults and customer complaints, conducting root cause analysis and implementing effective solutions.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

Work cross-functionally to update product specifications and production processes based on feedback from customers, suppliers, and internal teams.



Stakeholder Engagement



Present findings and recommendations to key stakeholders, supporting product development and supplier improvement initiatives.

Build and maintain strong working relationships with domestic and international suppliers to ensure alignment with quality and technical standards.

Provide dedicated support to retail and customer services teams to identify timely and practical solutions to product quality issues.



Skills and Experience



Knowledge of upholstery construction, common materials, and manufacturing processes.

Understanding of UK, EU and global product safety standards and regulations (e.g. BS, EN, ASTM, ANSI).

Experience with quality management systems, product testing methodologies, and certification processes.

Strong numeracy and analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify trends and present findings effectively.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly..

Proven ability to handle complex and varied workloads, prioritising tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

A Diploma, Degree or qualification in a relevant technical subject ideally.

Benefits:

Employee discount:

amazing discounts available on all Oak Furnitureland products after successful completion of probation

Life assurance:

free cover of a minimum of two times your annual salary up to the age of 65

25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays

Birthday:

an additional day off for you to celebrate your birthday

Hybrid working

Pension:

4% employee contribution matched by the company

Employee Assistance Programme:

gives all employees access to both telephone and face-to-face counselling services

My Rewards Programme:

offers discounts on everything from restaurants and supermarkets, to entertainment and holidays

Free on-site parking