Jennifer Thompson Email & Phone Number

Bath, England, United Kingdom

Melksham, Wiltshire, United Kingdom

Design new, innovative concepts for both our Core and Vintage ranges, staying in line with the brand vision and strategy, whilst also looking to broaden our appeal in new markets. Covering a broad range of customer briefs, from our independent retailers to larger multiples; including John Lewis, Furniture Village, DFS and ScS.Develop chosen designs from an initial sketch through to a production ready piece, creating the technical CAD drawings and product specifications required to produce first samples. Review and feedback on prototype development, working collaboratively to resolve queries that arise and making decisions as necessary. Liaise closely with existing and new suppliers, from fabric mills to show wood manufacturers, to source components that support the aesthetic and technical requirements of each specific design need.Account Manage our John Lewis & DFS accounts. Present and deliver new product concepts at customer meetings, overseeing new product launches whilst ensuring a smooth day-to-day management of the accounts.Project manage the Design & Development critical path, planning the time lines of our various teams to ensure we hit our production and launch deadlines. Lead and organise the CP agenda for weekly meetings involving the management teams of Design & Development, Production, Sales and Quality departments, communicating and managing the implementation of new products.Responsible for designing and executing both the structure and interior styling of our exhibition stands. Create detailed technical drawings with supporting notes to communicate the brief, whilst building strong relationships with our external stand builder and suppliers to bring the design in on budget and to a strict deadline.

Nottingham, United Kingdom

Develop technical specifications for all new products to provide the merchandise department and sales teams with detailed range information.Produce detailed specifications, allowing the QC factory managers to accurately order for production, whilst also providing picking lists for production operatives to ensure every order has the correct components.

Nottingham, United Kingdom

Responsible for designing concepts for internal and customer briefs, taking chosen designs from an initial sketch through to a final production model.Developed assembly instructions and technical line drawings to the strict guidelines of multiple customers, including John Lewis and Debenhams.Created frame drawings in Solidworks and by hand in 1:1 scale.Worked with our factories throughout Europe to develop new products, providing them with technical drawings and specifying product information; from choosing the right seat and back suspension for a frame to defining cushion constructions.Produced technical files for new products to record prototype and pre-production development, allowing any of the design team to pick up and understand a project.Worked as a quality inspector to take products through first production, ensuring design details were correct and the product was finished to the highest standard.

Bardon

Responsible for managing the studio and assigning work to the design team within one of the world’s largest manufacturers of folding cartons.- Handled incoming briefs and communicated directly with customers to ensure projects were completed to tight deadlines.

Bardon

Produced innovative and bespoke carton packaging for the food and healthcare sectors through sketching, 3D mock-ups and graphical application.Worked on briefs both alone and as part of the conceptual design team, attending client meetings to present and develop their designs.

Rnib College Loughborough

Worked within a team to support blind and partially sighted students with a range of disabilities in a weekly Youth club.- Engaged students through activities such as art classes and games to help build their confidence and encourage independence.

Bakewell

Worked as part of a small design team both within a studio and store environment. Responsible for advising customers in choosing and creating bespoke furnishings for their homes.

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Industrial Design And Technology, First Class Honours

Final Year - First Class Honours (78%) Second Year - First Achieved (70%) First Year - First Achieved (71%) Dissertation titled "The Value.

Btec, Art And Design Foundation Studies, Merit

Focused on sustainable design through up-cycling, combining a mixture of materials and processes to create new furniture pieces from old.

Education record

A-Levels: Product Design - A* (Awarded Governor's Prize) Textiles - A* Information Technology - A GCSEs: A* Grades - Product Design.