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.