Technologist- Hardgoods 12Months FTC

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.

Department Overview

As an ambitious company with a forward-thinking sustainability programme, we're committed to ensuring our business is fit for the future. Our Good & Circular strategy is all about embedding circular thinking into product design and sourcing, and helping our customers use and reuse our products more sustainably.We have a fantastic opportunity to join our Product Quality team as a Hardgoods Technologist. In this role, you'll manage the technical development of Home Accessories and Fragrance, ensuring our products meet performance, chemical, and durability testing standards while exceeding customer expectations.

With your excellent time management and prioritisation skills, you'll work closely with key stakeholders to develop products that are not only fit for purpose and high quality but built to last, incorporating key sustainability initiatives.

What you'll be doing:

Dive Deep into Hardgoods: Use your in-depth knowledge to develop amazing hardgoods products, keeping an eye on any potential risks.

Team Up with Suppliers: Work closely with our suppliers to set product performance standards and ensure everything gets approved on time.

Drive Improvements: Collaborate with suppliers to enhance ways of working, empowering them to get it right the first time.

Boost Product Testing: Develop our enhanced product testing plans to make sure our products are top-notch in performance and reliability.

Monitor and Improve: Keep an eye on category performance, including returns and customer reviews, to continually improve and develop our product ranges.

Quick Fixes: Address product issues swiftly to minimise risk and impact on our customers.

Sustainability Initiatives: Work with buying teams, suppliers, and external partners to implement sustainable and circularity initiatives.

Maintain Standards: Ensure manufacturing sites meet Dunelm’s Technical and Ethical standards, and support with any necessary corrective actions.​

Collaborate and Create: Use your expertise to develop products with key stakeholders, managing everything smoothly through the critical path.

What we'll look for in you:

Proven Experience: You've got good experience as a technologist, whether in retail or supply chain. Bonus points if you understand home fragrance!

Legal Know-How: You should have a good grasp of UK and EU laws and be able to interpret legislation effectively.

Risk Assessment: You have sound knowledge of product risk assessment.

Top-Notch Skills: Excellent analytical, communication, and influencing skills. You've collaborated with suppliers, regulatory authorities, and testing laboratories.

Team Player: You're a great team player with excellent time management skills.

Self-Starter: You're able to work with minimal supervision and take initiative.

Prioritisation: You can prioritise tasks and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Organisational Skills: Strong organisational, communication, and project management skills.