FFE Design Lead

<h3><strong>Mission</strong></h3><p style="min-height:1.5em">Neko is redefining what prevention means, from treating illness when it arrives, to sustaining health before it's ever at risk. Our mission: make data-driven, preventative care accessible to more people, before symptoms appear. <br /><br />In a single, non-invasive visit under an hour, proprietary technology and direct clinical care combine to deliver personalised, actionable insights. It's a team that thinks in 10x, not 10%. Every role here plays a part in building a world where prevention is the norm, and where your work genuinely helps people live longer, healthier lives.</p><p style="min-height:1.5em"></p><h3>Role Purpose</h3><p style="min-height:1.5em">The FF+E Design Lead will own the development and stewardship of Neko Health’s global furniture, fixtures, equipment, and accessories strategy — defining the physical objects, materials, and product selections that shape the member experience across every Neko location worldwide.</p><p style="min-height:1.5em">Working within the Architecture Creative Leads team, this role sits at the intersection of interior design, physical user experience, and procurement strategy. Your primary focus is establishing a scalable, globally consistent FF+E standard that ensures every Neko space feels considered, cohesive, and unmistakably Neko.</p><p style="min-height:1.5em">You will develop FF+E and accessories standards for the Location Design Playbook, drive product development and selection and provide concept-level creative guidance to regional design teams delivering projects globally.</p><p style="min-height:1.5em">This role reports to the Architecture Creative Studio Lead and partners closely with the Architecture Design Studio Leads for the US and Europe, the Industrial Design Lead, and cross-functional teams in Hardware, Operations, Brand, and Procurement.<br /></p><h3>What You’ll Deliver in the First 6–12 Months</h3><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Comprehensive global standards, documented in the Location Design Playbook — covering furniture, fixtures, accessories, for all key clinic zones — with clear specifications, product lists, and sourcing guidance ready for regional teams to implement.</p></li></ul><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">A scalable procurement and vendor strategy for FF+E, with preferred suppliers identified globally and regionally, supporting consistent quality, cost efficiency, and lead-time reliability across markets.</p></li></ul><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Concept-level FF+E guidance on at least two active regional projects, ensuring selections align with Neko’s design language and experience principles while adapting to local availability and requirements.</p></li></ul><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Contribute to the development of bespoke FF+E and accessory items that cannot be sourced off-the-shelf — collaborating with the Industrial Design Lead and external vendors to develop proprietary solutions that reinforce the Neko brand.<br /></p></li></ul><h3>Minimum Requirements</h3><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Degree in Interior Design, Product Design, Furniture Design, Industrial Design, Architecture, or related field.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">8+ years of experience in FF+E design, specification, and procurement, with a portfolio demonstrating a strong eye for material quality, detail, and cohesive design language.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Demonstrated experience developing FF+E standards, product libraries, or specification playbooks for a multi-site, global or scaling organization.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">A keen eye for colour, material and finishes.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Deep understanding of bespoke furniture and product manufacturing methods — materials, finishes, construction methods, durability and sustainability considerations.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Experience managing vendor relationships and procurement processes, including sourcing, sampling, cost negotiation and quality control across multiple markets.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Strong understanding of ergonomics, accessibility, and relevant product safety and compliance standards within a commercial retail environment.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Excellent communication skills — able to articulate design intent and product rationale to both creative and operational audiences, and comfortable presenting to leadership.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Comfortable operating in a fast-growing, scaling environment where standards are still being built and processes are evolving.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Alignment with Neko’s studio culture: enablers not heroes, creative problem solvers, craft-driven.</p></li></ul><p style="min-height:1.5em"></p><h3>Preferred</h3><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Experience crafting environments where furniture and fixtures play a direct role in customer experience.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Familiarity with branded retail, hospitality, or experiential environments at scale — where FF+E consistency is critical to brand expression.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Experience developing bespoke or custom-manufactured furniture and accessory products from concept through production.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Knowledge of sustainability and circular design principles in product selection — lifecycle analysis, material health, and responsible sourcing.</p></li></ul><p>Find <a href="https://www.arbeitnow.co.uk">Jobs in United Kingdom</a> on Arbeitnow</a>