Foxstow is a bespoke kitchen and cabinetry manufacturer based in Freeland, West Oxfordshire. We design and manufacture from our own workshop, producing bespoke kitchens, fitted cabinetry and furniture for residential projects.
We are looking for a creative and technically capable designer to join us in a new role focused on developing the next generation of Foxstow products and collections.
This is not a conventional kitchen design role, and it is not a workshop cabinetmaking position.
We are looking for someone interested in the complete process of developing a product, from researching opportunities and exploring ideas, through design and technical development, to prototyping, manufacture and ultimately helping us take that product to market.
THE ROLE
Working closely with one of our directors, you will research and develop new Foxstow products and collections. These could include new kitchen ranges, freestanding furniture, bedroom and bathroom cabinetry and other products that complement our existing business.
We want someone who can actively research the market, materials, suppliers, products and design opportunities and bring new ideas to the business. You will then work with us to develop the strongest ideas into commercially viable products.
Once a design direction has been established, you will take a significant role in its technical development using CAD and 3D design software.
Because we manufacture in house, you will work closely with our experienced joiners, CNC operators and finishers throughout the prototype process. You will oversee prototypes as they are produced, resolve manufacturing issues with the team and refine designs with consideration for materials, hardware, construction, finishing, cost and production efficiency.
The objective is not simply to produce a good drawing. It is to develop a well considered product that we can manufacture efficiently, repeatedly and to a very high standard.
There is also the opportunity to become involved in taking these products to market. Depending on your interests and experience, this could include developing collections, product specifications and pricing, samples and photography, website content and product launches, as well as working alongside our external marketing team.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
You might currently be working in furniture or product design, architecture, interior architecture, technical design or another related discipline.
Previous professional furniture manufacturing experience would be useful, but it is not essential. We are equally interested in somebody with strong design and technical skills who has a genuine interest in furniture, cabinetry and how things are made.
You should be comfortable working with CAD and 3D design software. Experience with AutoCAD and SketchUp would be particularly relevant to our current workflow.
We are looking for someone who is:
- Creative and curious, with a good eye for proportion, materials and detail
- Technically capable and able to turn an idea into something that can actually be manufactured
- Interested in researching and originating ideas rather than simply working from a brief
- Comfortable collaborating directly with craftspeople and manufacturing staff
- Interested in developing their knowledge of furniture construction, CNC production, materials, hardware and finishing
- Commercially minded enough to consider cost, repeatability and how a product will ultimately be sold
- Able to take ownership of a project and follow it from initial research through to finished product
A background in architecture or technical architectural design could be particularly interesting if you are looking to move your career towards furniture and product development.
ABOUT THE POSITION
This is a new role for Foxstow, and we are deliberately keeping the structure flexible.
We have an exciting programme of new products and collections that we want to develop, but we are open minded about whether the right arrangement is full time, part time or potentially an initial full time period focused on developing our core collections.
For the right person, there is considerable scope for the role to evolve as our product offering develops, particularly for someone interested in both developing products and helping us bring them successfully to market.
The position is based at our workshop in Freeland, West Oxfordshire. Although this is primarily a design role, close interaction with our manufacturing team is an important part of the position, particularly during product development and prototyping. This is therefore not intended to be a fully remote role.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send us your CV and examples of relevant design work or a portfolio.
We would also be interested to hear briefly about why this particular combination of design, product development and manufacture appeals to you.
Salary: £35,000 to £42,000 FTE, depending on experience
Location: Freeland, West Oxfordshire
Hours: Full time or part time considered
Work Location: In person
