Koala is a global furniture brand bringing Australian design and innovation to the world. We create forward-thinking products that solve problems for people and homes everywhere, driven by our purpose to make the world a more comfortable place.

We’ve always believed in doing things differently, whether in the way we develop products, how we do people and culture, or the way we bring the brand to life. That mindset has fuelled our growth, helping us disrupt categories in ways that are creative, bold and often unexpected. While we’re a household name in Australia, our journey on the global stage is only just beginning.

Since launching in 2015, our furniture has reached homes across Australia, Japan, the US and the UK. As a B Corp-certified, customer-obsessed, and data-led company, we’re committed to revolutionising furniture for generations to come through design, innovation, and meaningful sustainability.

Role Description

We are looking for a world-class Product Assistant (Maternity Cover) to join our Upholstery team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. In this role, you will step in to support our core upholstery pipeline, keeping projects running smoothly and helping us launch products that delight our customers globally.

Key Responsibilities

Product Management

• Support the Product Manager in the management of the timeline, communicating with all teams throughout the development cycle to ensure all products remain on track, to brief and on time.

• Coordinate all aspects of product samples and ensure adherence to sample budgets, arrange supplier payments, and coordinate sample shipping.

• Assist in the presentation decks for sign-off on new products to go into production.

Driving Profit

• Work alongside the Product Manager and support with information that will assist the product cost negotiation and ongoing cost of goods management of in market products.

• Provide the necessary information that will help guide the Upholstery HUB on commercial decisions that maximise the profitability for all products.

Supplier Management

• Liaise with suppliers to ensure documentation is signed for all commercial agreements, trading terms, rebates and payment days.

• Support in the management of the relationships with existing and new licensing and certification partners.

Flexibility is key

• You will also be expected to take on tasks and projects outside this core scope as needed to support broader business goals.

Ideal background

• Degree qualified in product management, business or relevant qualification.

• 1-2 years in product development, manufacturing or production of furniture industry.

• Strong stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to understand the big picture and prioritise competing considerations.

• High-level attention to detail.

• Passionate to learn about sourcing products that people love to use.

• The drive and energy to operate in a fast paced and dynamic environment.

• Awesome at Excel with strong analytical and numerical skills.

• Ability to hit the ground running and adapt quickly to existing systems and processes.

• Strong organisational skills with a proven track record of managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Perks and Privileges

Koala is only great when its employees are happy; and we’re one happy bunch!

• Hybrid working - We’re mixing it up with ~3 days back in the Alexandria Treehouse (office) and work from bed/home (WFB)

• Take a break - Generous time off - volunteer, parental, Koala life leave and more to help keep your work-life balance, balanced.

  Treehouse goods - Fully stocked kitchen with an emphasis on healthy local produce, think bougie brekky, salad bar, kombucha on tap, monthly barbies and more.

• Pet-friendly - The Koala Treehouse is as pet-friendly as they get!

• Surprise & delight - The two-word combo at the core of everything we do. All Koalas can expect to enjoy free Koala products with ‘mates rates’ for your friends and fam.

• Support & wellbeing - Our employee experience respects and embraces all families, formed, found and evolving. You’ll have access to our Employee Assistance Program, which includes unlimited sessions for financial, work, relationship, family or wellbeing support.

• Accelerate your career - via our Learning Management platform, as well as individual and team growth budgets and dedicated days.

• Community & connection - We believe that simply doing ‘no harm’ isn’t good enough So, how are we doing our part? BCorp Certified, WWF Partnership, volunteer days, a member of SoftLanding, 1% and so much more.

All in all, the Koala Community is a great place to hang out and belong to!

Why Join Koala?

At Koala, we do things a little differently and we don’t shy away from the fact that we expect a lot from our employees! We have no ego; we seek feedback that grows us; and we have a strong bias for action. We want you to challenge expectations, always look to make a difference and give us something different from the norm. We want people that bring great energy, that have a long-game focus and are always trying to find new angles and approaches to the way we work. We're a team full of entrepreneurial spirit and have a relentless focus on 'what's next' but while always reviewing 'what's been done' and learning, growing and adapting. Honesty and empathy drive everything we do, as well as a total focus on exceeding our customers’ expectations. So if you feel like this could be you... well what the bloody hell are you waiting for? Drop us a line, and let's see what you've got! ;)

There’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ candidate, Koala is a place where everyone has opportunity. So however you identify and whatever background you bring with you, please apply if this is a role that would make you excited to come into work every day. We’re an equal opportunity employer, and recognise that a diverse workforce is crucial to our success as a business.

To read more, check out our careers, LinkedIn, or the great work we do with Work180.