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- Tasks: Manage product testing and compliance for V&A merchandise across various categories.
- Company: Join the V&A Retail Buying team in a prestigious cultural institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension, flexible working, and discounts at V&A shops.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product quality and sustainability in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in product compliance and strong collaboration skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40770 - 40770 £ per year.
This position is located within the V&A Retail Buying team, working closely with Buyers and Merchandisers to oversee product testing and compliance documentation across all merchandise sold within the V&A shops and online. Reporting to the Head of Retail, the role is key to the V&A’s commitment to the highest standards of design, ensuring all products meet regulatory and certification standards, across a wide range of categories that includes toys, food, toiletries, homeware and fashion.
Responsibilities
- To manage product testing, compliance and certification processes for V&A merchandise, in line with wider departmental strategy and critical path.
- To work collaboratively with Buying, Merchandising and Design teams to ensure compliance across V&A Retail for both bought-in and own-brand products.
- To own the compliance strategy and processes from start to finish, developing as needed and working with internal and external partners to implement.
- To act as a first point of contact for internal and external parties for technical and compliance queries relating to retail product.
- To be appraised of all relevant legislation and its communication to wider teams as needed.
- To set out and communicate the compliance requirements for all categories and territories into which V&A Shops sell.
- To work closely with suppliers to ensure standards are met, investigate irregularities, report findings, and help implement corrective actions.
- To gather, review and approve third-party test documentation; to maintain records and data related to compliance; to review product labelling, warnings and back-of-pack information to ensure regulatory compliance.
- To perform risk assessments and create/update policies and processes where necessary.
- To support GPSR processes by maintaining and providing relevant product and packaging specifications.
- To develop and implement a product recall strategy for in-store and online.
- To work closely with internal teams such as Warehouse, Front of House, Merchandising and Web to conduct training and co-ordinate process improvements.
- To ensure V&A Retail sustainability targets are monitored, updated and recorded across retail activity including GOTS, FSC etc.
Benefits
- Generous pension scheme
- 29 days plus bank holidays
- Flexible working
- Tickets to V&A exhibitions
- Subsidised staff canteen
- 25% discount in V&A shops
- Give as you earn scheme
- Bicycle loan
- Interest-free season ticket
- Interest-free rental deposit loan
- Free safety checks and small repairs to your bike with Doctor Bike
- Wide range of training and professional development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Staff diversity networks
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The Disability Confident Employer scheme offers guaranteed interviews – Interviewing applicants with a disability who successfully evidence the essential criteria on a person specification and consider them on their abilities. Providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Making reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process so disabled job applicants have the best opportunity to demonstrate that they can do the job. Supporting employees and adjustments during employment.
Retail Product Technologist employer: V&A Museum of Childhood
Contact Detail:
V&A Museum of Childhood Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Product Technologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to the V&A. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research the V&A's products and compliance standards. Show us you’re passionate about retail and ready to tackle any technical questions thrown your way.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family. Get comfortable talking about your experience and how it relates to the role of Retail Product Technologist.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Product Technologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Retail Product Technologist role. Highlight relevant experience in product testing and compliance, and don’t forget to mention any collaboration with buying or merchandising teams!
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of regulatory standards and compliance processes in your application. We want to see that you’re up-to-date with legislation and can communicate it effectively to teams.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so get straight to the point about why you’re a great fit for the role and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter family!
How to prepare for a job interview at V&A Museum of Childhood
✨Know Your Compliance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest regulations and compliance standards relevant to retail products. Familiarise yourself with the specific categories mentioned in the job description, like toys and food, so you can confidently discuss how you would ensure these products meet the necessary standards.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
This role involves working closely with various teams, so be ready to talk about your experience in collaboration. Think of examples where you've successfully worked with buyers, merchandisers, or designers to achieve compliance goals. Highlight your teamwork skills and how you can bring people together to solve problems.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've handled compliance issues in the past. Have a couple of examples ready that showcase your ability to investigate irregularities and implement corrective actions. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Since you'll be the go-to person for technical queries, expect some detailed questions during the interview. Brush up on your knowledge of product testing processes and compliance documentation. Being able to explain these concepts clearly will show that you're the right fit for the role.