At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure product safety and quality while driving continuous improvement across our merchandise range.
- Company: Join a leading retail operations team in Sunderland with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, discounts, career progression, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and access to employee assistance programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product quality and customer experience in a collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills, knowledge of regulations, and experience in product quality management.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Technologist to join our Merchandise team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in ensuring we sell safe, legal and high-quality products, while driving continuous improvement across our product range.
The Technologist will work closely with suppliers, buyers and teams across the business. You will manage product testing and certification, identify quality issues and support continuous improvement. You will use product, customer and returns data to identify trends and opportunities to improve product quality and customer experience, while providing clear technical guidance and ensuring regulatory requirements are met.
What does the role involve?
- Maintain accurate technical manuals and product specifications, including product design, wiring, bills of materials, labelling and packaging.
- Manage product testing and certification in line with the agreed testing plan and relevant regulations.
- Ensure compliance with UK Timber Regulations, product, electrical and chemical requirements.
- Ensure suppliers meet our social compliance expectations in line with our Modern Slavery Statement.
- Build strong supplier relationships, clearly communicate technical requirements and ensure actions are completed within agreed timescales.
- Review new products and provide technical recommendations to improve quality and performance.
- Work with Customer Services and After Sales to investigate customer complaints and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Analyse returns and inspection data to identify trends, improve product quality and support effective corrective action.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for someone who is technically strong, analytical and proactive, with excellent attention to detail and the confidence to work with suppliers and internal teams.
Ideally, you will have:
- Extensive knowledge of upholstery manufacturing processes, materials, construction methods and product specifications.
- Strong understanding of relevant regulations, including Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations, LVD, EMC, RoHS, REACH and the Machinery Directive.
- Strong knowledge of product quality standards, defect identification, root cause analysis and corrective action.
- Excellent organisational, planning and communication skills.
- Ability to communicate technical information clearly to non-technical audiences.
- Experience using Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, pivot tables and charts.
- Experience with data visualisation or BI tools such as Power BI.
- An electrical or mechanical engineering qualification at HNC or degree level.
If you are passionate about product safety, quality and continuous improvement and enjoy working collaboratively with suppliers and internal teams, this could be a great opportunity for you.
What’s in it for you?
- 33 days holidays including bank holidays
- Employee benefits platform – access to 100s of high street discounts and more – holiday discounts, gym discounts, cinema discounts, e-vouchers, cashback and more!
- Colleague Discount
- Career progression
- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave
- Access to our dedicated Employee Assistance Programme – to give you free access to advice and information on a range of topics
- Virtual GP – Access to a GP service 24/7
- Salary finance scheme
- Pension Scheme
- Death in Service
Technologist in Sunderland employer: Poltronesofà S.p.A.
Poltronesofà S.p.A. is an excellent employer that values its employees by offering flexible working hours tailored to fit around your commitments, making it ideal for students or those with family responsibilities. Our supportive work culture fosters personal growth and development, while the opportunity for uncapped commission allows you to truly reap the rewards of your hard work in our vibrant Slough store.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technologist in Sunderland
✨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 Poltronesofà S.p.A., 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!
We think you need these skills to ace Technologist in Sunderland
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 Poltronesofà S.p.A. 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 Poltronesofà S.p.A.
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Poltronesofà S.p.A., 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 Poltronesofà S.p.A. 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.
