Retail Product Technologist

Retail Product Technologist / Quality Assurance Specialist

Location: West Midlands
Salary: £30,000 - £40,000 per annum

About the Role:
Are you passionate about ensuring products meet the highest quality standards? Our client, a well-established and growing name in the retail sector, is seeking a Product Technologist / Quality Assurance Specialist to join their team in the West Midlands. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in ensuring products meet safety, legal, and performance standards while contributing to product development and quality assurance processes.

In this dynamic position, you'll collaborate with Buyers, Global Sourcing teams, and suppliers to implement quality assurance processes, develop product specifications, and maintain consistent product quality across a diverse product range.

Key Responsibilities:

• Product Evaluation: Review and assess products to ensure compliance with company standards, legal requirements, and safety guidelines, ensuring all products are fit for purpose.
• Quality Improvement: Proactively identify opportunities for quality enhancements, manage product quality concerns, and oversee product development activities. You'll also prepare customer insights and reports on product performance for Range Reviews.
• Product Specifications: Complete detailed product specifications and evaluate suppliers to ensure they can consistently meet required product quality standards.
• Quality Assurance Processes: Implement and maintain quality assurance procedures to ensure that products meet quality standards at every stage of the development process.
• Sample Reviews and Sign-offs: Oversee sample reviews at critical stages, including tender, pre-production, and mass production, ensuring they meet the required specifications before approval.
• Packaging Development: Contribute to the development of packaging requirements, working closely with suppliers, Global Sourcing, and the Brand Team to introduce improvements and additional features.

Key Skills & Experience:

• At least 2 years' experience in product development or a quality assurance role within retail or consumer products, ideally with experience in General Merchandise, Hardlines, or similar sectors.
• Practical experience working with chemicals, mechanical products, electronics, or hardline products is essential.
• Knowledge of product manufacturing processes and quality principles (such as ISO 9000).
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple projects effectively, with excellent attention to detail.
• A collaborative approach, with experience working alongside suppliers and internal teams to drive quality improvements.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary: £30,000 - £40,000 per annum.
• An exciting opportunity to contribute to product quality and development in a well-established retail business.
• Work within a dynamic and supportive team, with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

If you're looking for a rewarding role where you can apply your technical expertise in quality assurance and product development, we'd love to hear from you!

BH32210