Wickes are a digitally led, service enabled organisation with a project in every home.
Are you looking for an opportunity within Quality Assurance? Would you enjoy the pace and energy of a retail environment which is collaborative, fun and inclusive where people feel part of a winning team? Do you enjoy the benefits of working together in person as a team blended with the flexibility of remote working?
We are excited to announce we are recruiting a QA Assistant Technical Manager and we are looking for an organised and methodical individual to join our Responsible Sourcing Department. This role sits within our wider Commercial team and the key focus of this role will be to support and assist the Category Technical Managers to ensure that Products & Suppliers comply with our stringent Ethical, Social, Quality, Safety and Environmental requirements and UK/European legislation.
If you have experience in quality control, or are in a warehouse supervisor role, or are simply looking to step into a QA focused role, then read on below and apply today!
Key Accountabilities:
- Support the product evaluation and approval process across several categories, including risk assessment and benchmarking processes, to ensure that only compliant products (safe, legal, reliable and fit-for-purpose) enter the business.
- Assist the Category Technical Manager in carrying out supplier evaluation and approvals as appropriate, including associated manufacturing sites, and ensure all non-compliance issues are effectively dealt with and appropriate remedial action taken.
- Under the guidance of the Category Technical Manager, ensure accuracy of product certification and specification data provided by Suppliers and maintain technical files to the required level of detail and content for Own Brand and Direct Import products as part of the evaluation and approval process.
- Investigate and report on technical queries and quality concerns in relation to product returns, critical product failures and customer complaints identifying remedial actions, product changes and associated cost implications as necessary.
What are we looking for:
- Educated to A Level or equivalent * Interested in pursuing a qualification in a Technical field (Degree equivalent) i.e. Chartered Engineer. Diploma Quality Management
- Some Knowledge of QA Practices and methodology * Some knowledge of product legislation and Environmental impact
- Experience of factory manufacturing processes and best practice would be desirable
- Resilience in following through business critical issues
- Persuasive approach to problem solving at all levels
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal
- Good interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to a broad spectrum of individuals
- Well organised with the ability to plan workload to achieve deadlines
- Good numeracy skills and conversant in Google Docs, Google Sheets and Google Drive.
Must hold a full UK driving licence, have access to a car and be prepared to travel as required to collaborate with suppliers, Wickes store colleagues and other stakeholders.
What can we offer you?
You’ll be supported with fantastic learning and development and have the opportunity to grow and develop your career with us
We’ll also equip you with a benefits package that includes
- Competitive bonus
- Save-as-you-earn scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- Colleague discount
- Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme
Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we’re proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause and fertility support.
We have recently re-opened our Support Centre in Watford, where our Commercial team are based, along with our other support functions. We recognise the value of bringing our teams together to collaborate, support each other and build on our amazing culture. We are also encouraging our teams to work flexibly, with a blend of remote / office working.
This role also includes travel to our distribution centres in Northampton and visiting suppliers.
About Us:
Wickes is a multi-channel retailer operating in the home improvement market. With 40 years in industry, Wickes now generates revenue in excess of £1.3Bn across 230 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues.
But it is the Wickes’ culture that is considered its best kept secret; it’s a collaborative, down to earth, fun and inclusive environment where people feel part of a winning team. All our colleagues come from different backgrounds, but what we all have in common is a determination to succeed and a passion for being the best we can be. If that sounds like you, we’ll make you feel right at home.
Please note: All offers of employment are subject to DBS background checks.
