Technical Manager

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About Matalan

From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, find out about how Matalan is ever-evolving here.

We know as a team, we are stronger together - we champion equality for all and make lasting connections that go beyond work. We thrive off our inclusive culture, encouraging our colleagues to bring their true selves to work and contributing to collective creativity, open-mindedness and growth.

We want give every candidate the opportunity to perform at their best throughout the application and interview process and then ultimately in their role. If you require any adjustments during our recruitment process, please don't hesitate to let us know.

In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.

About the role

We are looking for Technical Manager to drive change, develop and successfully execute the Matalan quality strategy. Championing our strategy of putting our customers at the heart of everything we do and in line with our ambition to be the first choice for value for Matalan families.

As our Technical Manager you will be responsible for:

Strategy and KPI's

• Responsible for co- creating and delivering the Matalan Quality Strategy
• Ensuring the Tech team KPI's are aligned with Matalan quality objectives / Trading / Matalan KPI's

Team leadership and ways of working

• Continuously looking at how to improve ways of working to ensure that the Matalan Tech team have a best in class reputation both internally and externally.
• Representing the Tech team within the wider Trading function. Focusing on ensuring that all are clear on the role of the team and the part they play in delivering the overall Trading strategy.
• Colleagues feel included and engaged in what is happening at Matalan as well as within the Tech team. There are clear communication channels and regular touch points in place at an individual and team level.
• Each colleague is clear in their role and the part they play in delivering the overall team strategy and KPI's.
• Everyone can develop their skills and capabilities and see opportunities for personal growth.

Supplier management

• Help onboarding all new suppliers so they are clear of the Matalan Quality requirements and ways of working
• Continuous improvement of supplier performance to drive efficiency and effectiveness. Responsible for Quality and QC Supplier Score carding. Accountable for ensuring the right process is in place to manage all for new / key line suppliers.
• Responsible for ensuring right product is placed in the right factory and conducting all required due diligence or Responsible for assessing and matching products to appropriate factories and ensuring all due diligence has been completed.
• Reviewing and approving Technical audits for all new factories
• Risk Assessment - continuously assessing and managing risk to Matalan arising from product safety, legislation and an evolving supply base
• Looking at best practices across Supplier Empowerment, AQL Inspections, internal tech team ways of working, working towards cost savings eg reduction in sampling, improving first time sample approval percentage, working to trading critical path, reacting to change in business requirements eg online, improving speed to market etc.
• Travel - Be able to travel (national and international) when required based on business needs

Conformance

• Commercial approvals - responsible for commercial approvals on major product failures and management of supplier non-compliance on products that fall below Matalan standards. Accountable for managing penalties for failures and noncompliance
• Returns management & customer complaints - managing the team to analyse returns data weekly / monthly, and responsible for reducing quality related returns. Dealing with any major customer complaints
• Trading Standards relationship - accountable for holding the relationship, ongoing maintenance of this to ensure that any issues are dealt with promptly and effectively

About You

• Extensive multi product technical experience at a similar level
• Experience of leading Technical teams
• Experience of and clear understanding of working with multi-product offshore factories
• Must have in depth knowledge of factory workings / manufacturing experience

Benefits

In addition to competitive salaries, we also offer the below core benefits:

• 20% staff discount, which increases with length of service
• Thrive Recognition Scheme
• Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust
• Life Assurance
• Retail Rewards platform offering discounts for other retailers
• Pension Scheme
• Access to a wide range of career development
• Additional benefits may apply depending on your role and area of the business