FFE Design Lead

Job description

MISSION 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. 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. ROLE PURPOSE 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. 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. 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. 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. WHAT YOU’LL DELIVER IN THE FIRST 6–12 MONTHS - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - Degree in Interior Design, Product Design, Furniture Design, Industrial Design, Architecture, or related field. - 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. - Demonstrated experience developing FF+E standards, product libraries, or specification playbooks for a multi-site, global or scaling organization. - A keen eye for colour, material and finishes. - Deep understanding of bespoke furniture and product manufacturing methods — materials, finishes, construction methods, durability and sustainability considerations. - Experience managing vendor relationships and procurement processes, including sourcing, sampling, cost negotiation and quality control across multiple markets. - Strong understanding of ergonomics, accessibility, and relevant product safety and compliance standards within a commercial retail environment. - Excellent communication skills — able to articulate design intent and product rationale to both creative and operational audiences, and comfortable presenting to leadership. - Comfortable operating in a fast-growing, scaling environment where standards are still being built and processes are evolving. - Alignment with Neko’s studio culture: enablers not heroes, creative problem solvers, craft-driven. PREFERRED - Experience crafting environments where furniture and fixtures play a direct role in customer experience. - Familiarity with branded retail, hospitality, or experiential environments at scale — where FF+E consistency is critical to brand expression. - Experience developing bespoke or custom-manufactured furniture and accessory products from concept through production. - Knowledge of sustainability and circular design principles in product selection — lifecycle analysis, material health, and responsible sourcing.