Junior Product Designer - Homewares

OKA; East Hagbourne; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading homeware retailer in the UK seeks a Junior Product Designer to join their Product Design & Development Team. This role involves assisting in the design of homewares while maintaining the brand's aesthetic. Candidates should have at least one year of product design experience, strong skills in design software, and a passion for functional homeware design. A hybrid working model is offered, providing flexibility and work-life balance, along with a comprehensive benefits package including 33 days holiday, health plan, and more.

Benefits

33 days holiday

Day off for your birthday

Health Cash Plan

Enhanced Parental Leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Discretionary company bonus scheme

Company pension scheme

Life assurance cover

Free eye tests

Cycle to work scheme

Interest free travel loans

Social events

Online wellbeing centre

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year’s experience in product design or related field.
• Strong design sensibility with an eye for detail.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of product lifecycle is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and development of homeware products.
• Conduct market and trend research for product ideas.
• Prepare presentations for design reviews.

Skills

Product design experience

Adobe Illustrator

3D modeling skills

Organizational skills

Excellent communication

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Photoshop

Rhino

Fusion 360

Job description

Founded over 20 years ago by three entrepreneurial women with a passion for beautiful, practical, and comfortable homes, OKA is more than a furniture and homeware retailer: it is a love affair with living well.

We inspire people to confidently create a home that reflects their personality, a space where nothing should be too precious or perfect to be enjoyed with family and friends. British-born, today we have 14 stores across the UK and an established Interior Design and Trade business, a mail-order service and a thriving website.

We are currently looking to recruit a full-time Junior Product Designer - Homewares to support our Product Design & Development Team, based at our office in Didcot, Oxfordshire.

We operate a hybrid working model: three or more days from the office, the remainder of the week from home.

ABOUT US

We know the best work is done by people who enjoy their jobs, so we create a fun and nurturing environment where everyone feels valued and is able to thrive. We are looking for an agile and proactive Junior Product Designer – Homewares with a positive attitude and entrepreneurial spirit who can help us nurture this company culture.

Reporting directly to the Product Design & Development Manager – Homewares, the Junior Product Designer is responsible for supporting the design and development of our homeware collections, helping to bring creative concepts to life while maintaining the OKA brand’s signature aesthetic.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the design and development of homewares products including decorative accessories, tabletop items, lighting, mirrors and wall art.
• Generate sketches, concept boards, 3D renderings, and material/finish proposals to support the creative process.
• Conduct trend, market and material research to inform product ideas and ensure designs are commercially relevant.
• Support prototype and sample creation, liaising with suppliers and internal teams to maintain design integrity.
• Prepare presentations and visual materials for design reviews and cross-functional meetings.
• Help maintain the homewares design library, including materials, finishes, and product references.
• Collaborate closely with merchandising, photography, and sourcing teams to ensure timely delivery and accurate product information.
• Document all design processes, maintaining PLM/WFX system entries, and tracking sample orders as needed.
• Take part in design meetings and range reviews, recording notes and ensuring follow-up actions are completed.
• Contribute to ongoing improvement of design processes and PLM system workflows.

ABOUT YOU

• Minimum 1 year’s experience in a product design, homewares, or related creative department (including internships).
• Strong design sensibility with a keen eye for form, colour, material, and detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop skills.
• Knowledge of 3D modelling tools such as Rhino, Fusion 360, or similar.
• Strong organisational skills, able to multi-task and work collaboratively across departments.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with a creative and problem-solving mindset.
• Passion for the OKA brand and for beautifully designed, functional homewares.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of product lifecycle from concept to launch is a plus.

OUR BENEFITS PACKAGE

• 33 days holiday (including bank holiday entitlement), plus Length of Service increases.
• Day off for your birthday
• Health Cash Plan
• Enhanced Pare ntal Leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Eligibility for a discretionary company Bonus Scheme
• Plus, a suite of additional employee benefits including Company pension scheme, life assurance cover, free eye tests, cycle to work scheme, interest free travel loans, social events, online wellbeing centre and more.

If successful you will become part of the OKA family, a fast-paced and dynamic business. If you would like to apply for this position, please send your CV and details of your current salary, salary expectations, notice period and right to work information via the link provided.