Assistant Fabric Technologist - Clothing, IN

In a nutshell :

To assist with Clothing J&W category strategy by supporting the Global Technical Manager or Lead Technologist. Assistant Technologists work with the suppliers, our Sainsbury’s General Merchandise & Clothing support teams, designers, merchandisers, trading, Sainsburys Argos Asia , supply chain and retail teams to deliver great quality products that are consistently produced to the appropriate quality standard are safe and diligently procured meeting all Sainsburys standards and policies. Assistant Technologists demonstrate our company values and keep the customer at the heart of every decision.

What you need to do :

Supports the delivery of Sainsbury’s Argos Clothing J&W products ensuring safety, legality and quality attributes are maintained.

Supports the delivery of the category technical strategy as well as setting and implementing sustainability targets

Supports product delivery including supplier and physical product appraisal, competitor benchmarking, customer/store feedback, range reviews and post implementation reviews. Risk assesses products under guidance. Product delivery is on time Packaged correctly and to the right quality. Products are fit for purpose. Implements guidance regarding innovation and differentiation from our competitors.

Works with Global Technical Managers, Lead and Technologists, buyers, merchandisers and Sainsburys Argos Asia to identify supplier selection for products. Supports the sourcing strategy.

Follows the KPI technical strategy with suppliers. Implements improvements in supplier performance or product quality.

Responsible for the creation and management of technical records (such as technical files, product standards, testing reports etc) in line with company procedures and legal guidelines.

Creates technical files / workbooks for products for their local supply base and region

Work with buying, merchandising, design, packaging and other stakeholders to ensure product is available on time and on quality, meeting critical path KPI’s. Collaboratively solve concerns within the relevant regions.

UK Teams -Manage the swift resolution of issues and held stock in the UK whilst maintaining the relevant trackers.

Asia based - Tomanage all supplier issueswithin their region including Audits

Supports the team with data collection and interpretation, looking at trends. Carry out storeand factory visits to purchase and review products as required on behalf of the team.

Support the Lead and Technologist or Global Technical Manager in undertaking Benchmarking exercises, as required. Within competitors and supply base.

Supports technical teams strategic plan on a page by taking on and delivering appropriate "stretch" projects.

Work collaboratively with suppliers to ensure timely completion of Technical Files / Workbooks and audits.

Responsibility for storage and keeping records of samples including customer complaints.

Sets up the payment of invoices for external parties and cross charging to other areas of business

May be required to work across multiple product areas as seasonal or business needs dictate. Clear training would always be given.

Supports technical team with administrative task such as data collection and interpretation, preparation, review and sample management, contacting suppliers and testing laboratories as appropriate

Creates and maintains a clear targeted personal development plan to support their development.

Demonstrate an aptitude for Product development and continued product improvement

Accuracy of record keeping of all trackers and Workbooks.

Accuracy of invoice sign off and approvals where applicable

On-time completion of tasks in line with departmental targets and agreed Critical Path.

Demonstrates a passion for the brand, product category with clear focus on the customer.

Developing self awareness and communication

Support in the delivery of product and process innovation

What you need to know and show :

Good systems knowledge especially Excel & MS Office.

Analytical & Numerical skills.

Good written and verbal communication skills.

Knowledge of business principles and core values.

Effective communicator & net worker.

Excellent admin and organisational ability.

Science or product based background.

The role may require travel (depending on product area and supply base location).

Able to deliver results whilst working under pressure in a fast moving dynamic retail environment, as an individual and within a team.

Able to engage globally at all levels with effective communication.

The colleague values should underpin all our roles. Some examples below for how you could demonstrate these values within the role:

We are trusting each other, working together and winning as one global team: Works collaboratively with supply base to deliver technical plans and drive quality standards within product area. Is empowered to deliver the technical agenda and recognises areas where they may benefit from coaching or mentoring. Supports a globally inclusive and supportive culture.

We are making it better, and are making it simpler: Identifies opportunities to improve technical performance of product area through simplified ways of working, removing duplication and owning decisions and process within your own regions.

We own it, and are doing the right thing for our customers to grow sales: Demonstrates a passion for products and delivers the technical aspects of the product plan in product area on time to a high technical standard. Works with suppliers to recognize opportunities and deliver the right innovation for customers.

We are making it better , and are making it happen at pace: Demonstrates great judgement and problem-solving skills when follow up a quality, or safety product issue by delivering value within our own regions. Ensuring product concerns and product on hold is managed in a timely manner.

We save and invest to win: Identifies and delivers projects that will drive the quality, profitability, and corporate responsibility performance

We are Human, and are cheering on our progress: Recognizes and give feedback on colleague performance and celebrates achievements along the way as well as the end goal.