Senior Furniture Design & Technical Specialist ( Hybrid - Manchester, CT)

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Furniture Design & Technical Specialist to join our team. This role is crucial as we establish product and technical design functions within our organization. The ideal candidate will play a key part in developing best practices to enhance and complement our current processes, as well as lead efforts to use advanced technology, including AI, to transform the design and product development processes.

The Senior Furniture Design & Technical Specialist will work closely with Merchandising to create and refine product designs that align with business goals. They will convert these designs into technical specifications, drawings, and bills of material (BOM) for sampling and manufacturing. This role requires expertise in furniture design and construction, along with the ability to drive strategy and process improvements. The ideal candidate will manage both tactical and strategic tasks, utilizing AI and digital tools to enhance speed-to-market and product quality. As the first hire in this role, adaptability, comfort with change, and a key role in process development are essential.

Who We Are

At Bob's, we have fun, we love what we do, and it shows in our expansive growth! Bob's Discount Furniture is more than just a furniture store. We are one of the fastest growing omni-channel furniture retailers in the country with 165 stores in 24 states.

How We Will Support You

At Bob's we understand there are many companies you can choose to work for, so, along with exceptional opportunities for career growth we offer a fun team-oriented work environment and great benefits! Let us tell you more.

Benefits & Perks- We've got you covered! We believe in supporting our employees and their families in the best ways possible is a top priority. We focus on three core wellness pillars: Emotional, Physical and Financial. Below are just some of the benefits that we offer:

• Feeling under the weather, we've got you covered! We offer Nationally provided Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

• Paid Vacation, Personal Days, Sick Days, Holidays, work anniversary and your Birthday! After all, your birthday should be a holiday

• 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan with a Generous Company match!

• Pet Insurance to help keep your furry friends happy and healthy

• Life insurance - Employer-paid basic Life Insurance, with the option to add Voluntary Life Insurance as well!

• Financial Planning, Voluntary Legal Benefits and Wellness Plans

• We already offer value priced furniture, but on top of that we offer a Generous Employee Discount starting on your 1st day!

• Additional Employee Discounts through the "Hays Perks discount program" offering hundreds of online discounts from your favorite merchants.

• And so much more!

Culture and Core Values- At Bob's we have a set of core values that shape the decisions we make every day and help define our company culture. These values comprise what we call "The Bob's Way." Honesty, Integrity, Transparency, Community, Safety, Diversity, Accountability and Fun.

DIVERSITY IS A CORE VALUE AT BOB'S

At Bob's Discount Furniture, we want you to feel at home. Whether you're shopping with us or a part of the Bob's team, we want you to know that you are valued, appreciated, and free to be who you are.

We are committed to creating a place as diverse as the communities we serve.

Learn and Grow- We believe in developing our team members and helping them grow both personally and professionally! We promote Professional Development: In-person, virtually and offer an infinite library of on-demand classes in Workday Learning. We also offer Tuition Reimbursement as well as the BDF Education Foundation Scholarship Program open to employees and their dependents. Want to grow at Bob's professionally? We look to promote from within our organization by having robust succession planning in place to ensure that our team members have the opportunity to advance their careers.

Responsibilities

• Design & Technical Design:

  • Partner with Merchandising to ensure that product designs align with market needs and customer preferences.

  • Develop and refine product designs and technical specifications for furniture products, ensuring they meet aesthetic, functional, and manufacturing requirements.

  • Work closely with the Merchandising, Sourcing and QA teams to identify and resolve design-related challenges.

  • Create and maintain accurate bills of material (BOM) for all products, ensuring that all components are correctly specified to support standardization and direct sourcing opportunities

  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product development, manufacturing, and sourcing, to ensure design feasibility and cost-effectiveness.

• Process Development:

  • Establish and document best practices for design and engineering processes, ensuring consistency and efficiency as the function grows.

  • Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement strategies to optimize design workflows.

  • Lead initiatives to standardize materials, components, and design approaches across product lines while maintaining the brand value proposition and quality standards.

• Strategic Contribution:

  • Provide input on the strategic direction of product design and development, leveraging technology, industry trends, and best practices.

  • Contribute to long-term planning for the design and engineering function, including the integration of AI and digital solutions, resource allocation, and team growth.

  • Act as a key technical advisor in discussions with suppliers and manufacturing partners, ensuring that all designs are optimized for production.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, providing updates on design progress and addressing any issues that arise.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to balance tactical execution with strategic thinking.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate ambiguity and change.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Effective communication and collaboration skills.

• A bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Furniture Design, or a related field is preferred, but not required.

• Relevant experience in furniture design and engineering, or a similar field, with a proven track record, will also be considered.

• 5-10 years of hands-on experience in furniture design and engineering, or a related area, demonstrating success in utilizing technology to drive innovation and efficiency.

• Strong proficiency in CAD software, AI tools, and other design technologies.

• In-depth knowledge of furniture materials, construction methods, and manufacturing processes.

• Experience with BOM creation and management.

Preferred Qualifications

n/a

Physical Requirements

• The role requires the ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer.

• Regular use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, and video conferencing tools.

• The job may occasionally require light physical activities such as setting up or attending in-person meetings.

• Ability to travel by car, plane, or other means for monthly trips to the home office and occasional business-related events.

• Visual and auditory acuity required for extensive computer use and virtual meetings.

• The role may involve carrying a laptop and other portable office supplies during travel.

Expected Base Pay Not Including Potential Commissions, Incentive, Bonus, etc. Opportunities:

It is policy of Bob's Discount Furniture, Inc., to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment. No person shall be discriminated against or harassed because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, veteran or military status, or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state or local law.

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