Job Advert
Buy It Direct is one of the UK's leading online retailers and, as our Furniture123 business continues to grow, we're looking for a Furniture Technologist to join our QA team. This role is based at our Huddersfield Head Office, with regular on-site working.
This is a great opportunity for someone with strong knowledge of furniture and upholstery — from design and construction to production methods. You'll work closely with our factories, buying teams, and wider business to deliver outstanding products, reduce returns, and improve the customer experience.
Who we are
* Furniture123 was acquired by Buy It Direct in 2013 and has grown significantly since then.
* We sell around 200,000 furniture items each year, sourced from three continents.
* Our head office is in Huddersfield, our main warehouse is in Derby, and we have an international QC team.
* Visit our website to see more about what we do.
As a Furniture Technologist, you will:
* Act as a key link between Buying, factories, and QA to improve product quality and reduce customer returns.
* Provide technical support on new product development, including testing, documentation, and compliance.
* Use data and quality tools to identify recurring issues and recommend product improvements.
* Build strong relationships with buyers and suppliers, balancing priorities through regular calibration and collaboration.
* Review and approve pre-shipment inspection reports to ensure specification and quality compliance.
* Manage swatches, materials, and colour specifications to maintain consistency and control.
* Oversee Goods-In inspections and in-house product checks to verify quality standards.
What you'll need:
* A passion for furniture with at least 5 years' experience as a Product/Furniture Technologist, ideally across hard, upholstered, and garden furniture.
* Strong commercial thinking and confidence working with data.
* Knowledge of courier packaging development.
* Excellent attention to detail, multitasking skills, and ability to work to tight deadlines.
* Proven experience in product appraisal within manufacturing, retail, or supply, with strong knowledge of product standards, safety, and material regulations.
* Ability to interpret manufacturing standards, test certificates, and compliance documents.
* Resilience to work under pressure in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
* A valid UK driving licence.
What we offer:
* The opportunity to make a real difference in the supply chain of a leading furniture retailer.
* A creative and innovative working culture.
* Great career progression opportunities within a successful online business.
* Potential international travel to suppliers.
* A competitive salary of up to £45,00 per annum dependent on experience and benefits package.