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- Tasks: Lead the technical delivery of innovative Hardline Homeware products from concept to launch.
- Company: Join Argos, a digital-led UK retailer pushing boundaries in customer experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, flexible working, and a range of wellbeing benefits.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and development in a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product quality and customer satisfaction in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing or retail with strong knowledge of product safety and compliance.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the team
Our Technical & Ethical team is central to delivering safe, high‑quality and legally compliant Hardline Homeware products for our customers. Working at the heart of General Merchandise, the team partners closely with Buying, Design, Sourcing, Sustainability and Supply Chain to bring innovative, commercially viable products to market. With a strong focus on customer experience, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement, the team plays a key role in protecting brand reputation while driving quality and value.
More about the role
As a Lead Technologist within Hardline Homeware, you will be responsible for the technical delivery of product categories from concept through to launch and post‑sale performance. You will ensure all products meet required safety, quality and legal standards, managing technical risk, due diligence and approvals in line with the critical path. You will work closely with suppliers, global technical teams, sourcing and commercial stakeholders to support new product development, range reviews and category technical strategy.
In addition, you will provide leadership and direction to a small team of Technologists and / or Assistant Technologists. This includes line management responsibilities, coaching and development, performance reviews and ensuring technical standards are consistently applied. You will lead the investigation and resolution of quality issues, manage held stock where required, analyse customer returns and feedback, and ensure learnings are embedded into future product development to continuously improve quality and reduce returns.
More about you
You are an experienced Technologist with a background in manufacturing or retail within Hardline Homeware, and a strong understanding of the regulatory landscape. You are confident managing technical risk, product approvals and multiple priorities in a fast‑paced retail environment, while maintaining high standards of accuracy, documentation and due diligence.
You are a supportive and effective people manager who enjoys developing others and setting clear direction. You communicate confidently with suppliers and internal stakeholders, challenge constructively, and use data, customer insight and commercial context to inform decisions. You take ownership, adapt positively to change, and are motivated by delivering safe, compliant and high‑quality products that enhance the customer experience.
Essential criteria
- Experience in a technical role within manufacturing or retail, specifically across Hardline Homeware products
- Demonstrated knowledge of product safety, quality and legal requirements, with experience managing regulatory compliance and technical risk
- Experience leading, coaching or line managing Technologists or technical team members
- Proven ability to manage technical approvals, documentation and timelines in line with a critical path
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience working collaboratively with suppliers and cross‑functional teams
Responsibilities
At Argos, we’re a digital-led UK retailer that keeps pushing boundaries to meet every generation with what they want, how and when they want it. As a market leader in general merchandise, serving millions of customers through our website, app, same-day delivery and Click & Collect services, we offer real opportunities to learn, grow and shape your career. With roles spanning Commercial, Buying, Merchandising, Design and Supply Chain, through to Digital, Operations, Customer Experience, Marketing, and People and Transformation, you will work with brilliant colleagues and directly shape how we serve our customers every day.
We are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer so you’ll be welcomed whoever you are and wherever you work. Around here, there’s always the chance to try something new — whether that’s as part of an evolving team or somewhere else across the business - and we take development seriously and promise to support you. We also recognise and celebrate colleagues when they go the extra mile and, where possible, offer flexible working. When you join our team, we’ll also offer you an amazing range of benefits.
Starting off with colleague discount, you'll be able to save 10% on your shopping online and instore at Sainsbury's, Argos, TU and Habitat, and we regularly increase the discount to 15% at points during the year. We've also got you covered for your future with our pensions scheme and life cover. You'll also be able to share in our success as you may be eligible for a performance-related bonus of up to 10% of salary, depending on how we perform.
Your wellbeing is important to us too. You'll receive an annual holiday allowance and you can buy up to an additional week's holiday. We also offer other benefits that will help your money go further such as season ticket loans, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, salary advance (where you can access some of your pay before pay day) as well access to a great range of discounts from hundreds of other retailers. And if you ever need it there is also an employee assistance programme.
Moments that matter are as important to us as they are to you which is why we give up to 26 weeks’ pay for maternity or adoption leave and up to 4 weeks’ pay for paternity leave.
Lead Technologist - 9 month FTC in Coventry employer: Sainsbury's
Contact Detail:
Sainsbury's Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Technologist - 9 month FTC in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Technologist - 9 month FTC in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Lead Technologist role. Highlight your experience in Hardline Homeware and any relevant technical skills that align with the job description. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a small team, don’t forget to mention your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've coached or developed others in previous roles. We love seeing how you can inspire and guide a team!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate clarity and want to quickly understand your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sainsbury's
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Hardline Homeware products and the regulatory landscape. Be ready to discuss specific safety, quality, and legal standards relevant to the role. This shows you're not just familiar with the basics but are genuinely invested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Technologist, you'll be managing a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led, coached, or developed others in previous roles. Highlight your approach to performance reviews and how you ensure technical standards are met consistently.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You'll need to engage with suppliers and internal stakeholders, so being able to challenge constructively and use data to back up your decisions is key. Think of scenarios where you've done this well.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific challenges, like managing technical risk or resolving quality issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and ability to learn from past experiences.