Homewares Technologist

Dunnes Stores is Ireland's leading retailer positioned at the cutting edge of food, fashion and home retailing. We are known for offering a wide range of high-quality products to our customers. We are committed to innovation, sustainability, and exceeding customer expectations at every turn. As we continue to expand, we are seeking an experienced and dynamic Homewares Technologist to join our team. The Role: The Homewares Technologist will ensure homeware products developed and supplied to Dunnes Stores comply with our quality standards, EU safety, and regulatory standards while striving to exceed customer expectations. This role will work with the buying teams, designers, and suppliers on technical details to ensure new products and packaging are commercially viable and compliant with current legislation and performance requirements. Primary Responsibilities : Ensure the delivery of high-quality products that are safe, compliant with legal standards, and suitable for their intended use Be responsible for all aspects of Home product testing on the portal including failed test results Take a hands on role with suppliers regarding the sample sealing process, risk assessments, critical paths, checking strike off/bulk fabrics, packaging proofs, inspection reports and gold seal samples to ensure compliance to all requirements Establish and maintain the Homewares supplier manual to ensure the brand performance standards are up to date, consistent, and comprehensive in line with current legislation and industry norms Implement quality standards and assess product testing from a commercial perspective. Collaborate with retail teams and customer service to gather and interpret customer feedback on quality issues and concerns Conduct quality benchmarking of the company and key competitors to assess quality and performance Collaborate with the compliance team to ensure the company's Quality Standards align with industry benchmarks Proactive problem solving Track styles/products with high return rates and collaborate with suppliers to resolve issues and enhance future deliveries Manage supplier risk assessments and supplier performance to ensure highest quality standards are met and provided to the business. Ensure a competent and robust supplier base in line with QA and sourcing strategy Identify high-risk suppliers/products for pre-shipment and CFS inspections Hold suppliers accountable for performance on sampling, testing and inspection dates including 'right first time' sample submission within agreed deadlines and record results Maintaining detailed records of tests, compliance checks, and quality control activities. Preparing reports on product performance, compliance status, and any identified issues or improvements Deliver training on best practices for sample approval to Homewares teams Provide technical guidance to the buying teams to gain greater understanding of the manufacturing processes and requirements Where required, visit the warehouse to check stock if quality issues are reported Maintain detailed records of tests, compliance checks, and quality control activities Prepare reports on product performance, compliance status, and any identified issues or improvements Skills and Experience: 3 or more years' experience of working in a related role Enthusiastic team player, with a proactive approach, good communication skills, and a collaborative attitude Organised and capable of prioritising multiple tasks Exceptional attention to detail Confident to make decisions and take responsibilities, yet unafraid to seek advice An inquisitive mind set with a keen interest in developing themselves and ambition to grow their insight and knowledge within the industry A desire for continuous product excellence and improvements A strong communicator with ability to present confidently via email, audio conferencing and face to face with internal stake holders, suppliers and customers A positive approach and mentality to product data harvesting, document population, maintenance and management Ability to work effectively in a high volume, fast paced environment Familiarity with EU and international standards (e.g., EN, ISO) relevant to homewares. Expert understanding of environmental and safety regulations that affect homeware products (e.g EUTR, etc) In-depth understanding of product testing. Proficiency in testing methodologies and quality control processes to evaluate product safety, durability, and compliance Strong technical expertise. Understanding of the properties and performance of a broad spectrum of product categories and different materials used in homewares (e.g., wood, textiles, ceramics, metals, plastics) Commercial awareness- understanding business impact of decisions Flexible and capable of adjusting daily work priorities to meet business needs, able to deal quickly and effectively with daily email communications to and from suppliers, customer services, and internal teams. Benefits: Competitive salary Comprehensive benefits package including employee discounts Opportunities for professional development and career growth A dynamic and inclusive work environment focused on sustainability and innovation Dunnes Stores is an equal opportunity employer. /*generated inline style */