Shape the future of University of the Arts London
The Graduate Outcomes survey is the UK’s biggest annual social survey. Recent UAL graduates will be invited to join in 15 months after completing their studies.

Upholstery Product Developer – Northampton

Salary £32,000 per annum
Hours 40 hours per week
Location Northampton
Closing Date 05 November 2025
Position Type Full Time
Advert expires on 05 November 2025

Main Duties

If you’re passionate about great design, craftsmanship, and sustainability – and want to be part of a growing, creative team – this fantastic Upholstery Product Developer is for you.

Working with office furniture resellers, architects and design consultants, this company creates innovative, sustainable solutions for modern workspaces. As demand grows for their beautifully upholstered products – from pods to sofas – they’re expanding their talented product development team.

You’ll bring creative ideas to life – turning concepts into high-quality, commercially viable products. Collaborating with international design studios and working hands-on in the workshop, you’ll play a key role in every stage of development, from prototype to production.

What You’ll Do

  • Develop and refine prototypes, testing comfort, ergonomics, and durability.
  • Source, test, and evaluate upholstery materials, foams, and finishes that meet design and sustainability goals.
  • Carry out upholstery work in the workshop when needed.
  • Liaise with suppliers, manufacturers, and internal teams to ensure projects run smoothly from sampling through to production.
  • Continuously improve existing product ranges and explore new opportunities for innovation.

Skills and Experience Required

Personal Specification

  • Proven experience in upholstery and pattern cutting.
  • Strong knowledge of upholstery construction, foams, textiles and frames.
  • Practical problem-solver with a hands-on, can-do attitude.
  • Excellent communication and organisational skills.
  • Technical drawing or CAD skills (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar) desirable.

Disability Confident Employer

We can confirm that we are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 1-3) who can welcome a wide-range of disabled applicants within our level of training.

Equal Opportunities Statement

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and caring responsibility. We are committed to offering a working environment where everyone is valued and feels appreciated.