Design Lab Operative

Design Lab Operative

Location: East Peckham, Tonbridge, Kent
Department: Design Lab
Salary: £27,000 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday (8:00am – 4:30pm, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break)

Company Overview

My client is a leading designer and manufacturer of commercial and high-end residential wallcoverings. With a strong presence in the UK and international markets, the business is recognised for its innovation, design expertise, and premium-quality products used in prestigious interior projects worldwide.

The Opportunity

My client is seeking a Design Lab Operative to join their established Design Lab team based in East Peckham. This full-time, hands-on role plays a key part in supporting Design & Product Management, Digital, Manufacturing, and Marketing teams.

The successful candidate will be responsible for producing high-quality samples to detailed briefs, supporting new product development, and maintaining accurate documentation to aid manufacturing and production processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce prototype wallcovering samples for New Product Development
• Create bespoke customer samples in line with supplied specifications
• Mix and coat coloured vinyl paste or select from standard formulations
• Visually match ink colours by eye and through operation of gravure proof press machinery
• Set up embossing to meet factory standards and established production processes
• Work closely with the Design & Product Manager and Design Lab colleagues, while also using initiative when required
• Accurately record, document, and archive all samples and processes

Personal Attributes & Skills

• Strong communication skills with colleagues and occasional interaction with visiting customers
• Flexible, adaptable, and results-driven approach
• Confident, self-motivated, and receptive to instruction
• Excellent colour vision and exceptional attention to detail (essential)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Physically capable of moving cylinder trolleys and lifting ink cans as required

Experience & Qualifications

• GCSE-level education or equivalent preferred, though not essential
• Previous exposure to colour matching disciplines and/or machinery operation is highly advantageous

Working Environment

• Based full-time at my client’s East Peckham, Tonbridge site
• Primarily working within the Design Lab, with regular interaction with the factory to source inks, cylinders, and other essential materials

Benefits

• £27,000 per annum salary
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Company pension scheme (after qualifying period)
• Company sick pay (after qualifying period)
• Structured training programme to support ongoing development

Apply now for immediate consideration.