Product Technologist (Accessories) - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover)
Hybrid - Handforth Support Office
At Pets at Home, we're passionate about creating products that help pets and their owners live happier lives together. We're looking for a curious, detail-oriented Product Technologist to join our Accessories team on a 12-month maternity cover contract.
If you're someone who enjoys understanding how products are designed, manufactured and improved, and you have a passion for quality, innovation and delivering a great customer experience, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role
Working closely with Buying, Asia Sourcing, suppliers and a range of cross-functional teams, you'll play a key role in developing safe, high-quality pet accessories from concept through to launch.
You'll ensure products meet our technical, quality and compliance standards, helping to turn great ideas into products our customers and pets can trust. From reviewing specifications and product testing to supporting supplier quality and continuous improvement, you'll be involved throughout the entire product development journey.
What you'll be doing
- Supporting the development and launch of new own-brand pet accessory products within agreed critical path timelines.
- Working alongside Buyers, suppliers and sourcing teams to establish clear quality, performance and compliance requirements from the earliest stages of development.
- Creating and maintaining detailed product specifications, ensuring accuracy, consistency and traceability.
- Reviewing product packaging copy, warnings and technical information to ensure compliance and clarity.
- Managing and maintaining technical documentation throughout the product development lifecycle.
- Assessing products against agreed standards, specifications and performance expectations.
- Coordinating product testing programmes and liaising with testing laboratories to ensure all legal and compliance requirements are met.
- Supporting the development and maintenance of technical standards across accessory categories.
- Providing technical expertise on product construction, materials, performance and manufacturing processes.
- Keeping up to date with regulatory developments and industry best practice within the pet accessories market.
- Collaborating with stakeholders across Commercial, Pet, Quality and Sourcing teams to drive product quality and innovation.
About you
You'll already have experience within a Product Technologist role and enjoy working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where no two days are the same.
To be successful you'll bring:
- Previous experience (2+ years) in a Product Technologist or similar technical product development role.
- Knowledge of end-to-end manufacturing processes, from raw materials through to production, packaging and distribution.
- Understanding of supplier manufacturing and product development processes.
- Knowledge of product safety requirements, compliance and quality management systems.
- Experience working with consumer products and an understanding of product construction, materials and manufacturing techniques.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Confidence working with Microsoft Office and spreadsheet-based tracking tools.
- A proactive mindset with a keen eye for detail and a passion for continuous improvement.
Why Pets at Home?
We're a business built around people who care deeply about pets and the people who love them. You'll join a supportive team where collaboration, innovation and development are encouraged, and where your work will directly contribute to creating products that make a real difference to pet owners across the UK.
Pets just see people. We take our inspiration from pets, and we value and respect differences in all their forms. Our aim is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and every colleague can be their true self at work.
Ready to help shape the next generation of pet products? We'd love to hear from you.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Accessories Product Technologist in Cheadle employer: Pets at Home
At Pets at Home, we are not just building a pet insurance business; we are creating a vibrant and innovative environment where your contributions truly matter. As a Senior Pricing Analyst, you will enjoy the unique opportunity to work with unparalleled data assets while being part of a passionate team dedicated to improving outcomes for pets and their owners. With a supportive culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth, this role offers a chance to make a significant impact in a dynamic start-up atmosphere backed by the stability of a leading brand.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accessories Product Technologist in Cheadle
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Pets at Home, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Pets at Home specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pets at Home
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Pets at Home, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Pets at Home value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
