Furniture Technologist

Home. There’s no place like it. And there’s no feeling like helping people create the joy of feeling truly at home. At Dunelm, that’s what we do. We’re the UK's number one choice for homewares because we make home life lovelier for our customers. And the caring and encouraging culture we've created makes this a place you'll feel right at home too.

We are the UK’s Number One homewares retailer offering c85,000 products building a consumer-focused total retail business that delights customers through our multichannel operation.

We are determined in our plans to increase further expansion of the business to more customers, shopping more frequently, with more choice, enhanced digital and physical services, and new capabilities to innovate and operate at pace in a fast-changing landscape. In developing the business for the long-term benefit of our customers, we are investing in our supply chain, stores and technology to improve the customer proposition as we progress.

The Quality and Sourcing Team work cross functionally providing product technical, quality, sourcing, ethical, packaging and sustainability expertise to help the business deliver the product strategy.

Sustainability is a key focus area and our strategy includes embedding circular thinking into product design and material sourcing.

Product Technologist

Responsible for managing the technical development of product ranges ensuring products meet quality, ethical, legal, and sustainability standards. We work closely with suppliers and buyers to launch product on time inline with the critical path, we are always working to improve products, raise star ratings and reduce returns in line with our targets. We put the customer first in everything we do.

Role responsibilities

• You will be responsible for managing the technical development of product ranges ensuring products meet quality, ethical, legal and sustainability standards.
• You'll work directly with manufacturers in the UK and Asia advising on best practice and manage product approvals in line with the critical path, ensuring on time launch.
• Support the category by understanding the market, competitor products and their specifications
• Develop our product specifications and enhanced product testing plans.
• Monitor category performance against objectives and targets including returns and customer reviews to improve product ranges.
• Quickly address product issues and complaints to minimize risk and impact within appropriate time frames.
• Keep up to date with safety and legal requirements, become the technical expert for your product category(s).
• Ensure that manufacturing sites meet Dunelm’s Technical and Ethical standards and support with corrective actions.

What we will look for in you

• Experience in a similar role, in retail or supply chain
• Product development experience (furniture based)
• Sound knowledge of product risk-assessment.
• A self-starter able to work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent analytical, communication and influencing skills.
• Ability to prioritise and take initiative in a fast-paced environment.
• A good team player with excellent time management skills.

We recruit people from all types of backgrounds, who share our entrepreneurial, hands-on approach to work. We are committed to creating a full inclusive environment that is representative of our customers and locations. We recognise the value and importance in inclusion and diversity and welcome applications from all candidates, regardless of sex, age, race, religion, disability, neuro-diversity, gender or sexual identity, socio-economic background or education.