Trade ID Merch Manager – Maternity Cover

About us: At Nkuku we create beautifully handmade homewares and furniture. We work with makers throughout the world, combining timeless design with traditional skills and natural materials. Our brand is built on three core values: Natural, Ethical, and Crafted, which guide everything we do. Committed to ethical practices from the start, we are proud to be a B Corp, part of a growing community of businesses that balance purpose and profit. We are a growing, commercially ambitious business with a collaborative and down-to-earth culture, where ownership, creativity and accountability are valued at every level. About this role and you: This role sits at the heart of Nkuku’s Trade and Interior Design and Merchandising business, managing relationships and projects across hotel groups, hospitality operators and interior design practices. Reporting to the Head of Trade Partners, you will manage projects from initial enquiry through to installation, while developing relationships with designers, project managers and commercial partners. You will understand client requirements, budgets and timelines, and present the right Nkuku products and collections for each project. You will be commercially minded, highly organised and confident managing senior client relationships. A genuine interest in interiors and a strong understanding of Nkuku’s brand and values are essential. About your key responsibilities: Manage FF&E and interior projects from initial enquiry through to installation and handover. Work with clients to understand their requirements, budgets and timelines, producing clear project plans, costings and product schedules. Specify and source furniture, lighting, soft furnishings and decorative accessories from across the Nkuku range. Prepare quotations, manage orders and oversee the procurement and administration required to deliver projects smoothly. Coordinate logistics, installation partners and external consultants, ensuring projects remain on time and within budget. Build and maintain strong relationships with interior designers, hotel groups, hospitality operators and project management companies. Identify and develop new project opportunities, supported by the wider Trade and Marketing teams. Present seasonal collections and product proposals tailored to individual clients and projects. Maintain accurate customer and project records in Khaos, and provide regular reporting on performance, pipeline, forecasts and opportunities. Represent Nkuku at client meetings, site visits, networking events and relevant trade shows. About your skills and knowledge: Experience in project management, account management or business development, ideally within interiors, hospitality, furniture or a related sector. Experience managing FF&E, interior or comparable commercial projects from enquiry through to completion. Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to manage budgets, quotations, costings and project margins. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines. Confident building relationships and communicating with clients, suppliers and senior stakeholders. A proactive and practical approach to problem-solving, with strong attention to detail. Good written, verbal and numerical skills, with confidence using Excel, Word and customer management systems. Able to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues and external partners. A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to client sites, the Devon office and trade events. About your Benefits: Competitive salary and performance-based incentives 25 days holiday plus bank holidays BUPA healthcare plan Life cover insurance Pension scheme Cycle to Work scheme Generous staff discount across Nkuku products and cafe Paid volunteering days Work Location: Optional Remote or Hybrid Role (Home/Devon Office). If you choose to work remotely, we ask that you attend the office 2 days a month.