Trainee Technologist

MATALAN; West Kirby; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20% staff discount

Thrive Recognition Scheme

Wellbeing support provided by the Ret

Life Assurance

Retail Rewards platform offering orise

Pension Scheme

Career development access

Additional benefits may apply

Job summary

Matalan is seeking a Trainee Product Technologist to support the development of products aligned with quality assurance standards. You will assist technologists, buying and design teams, and suppliers to ensure products meet customer expectations.

You will build knowledge of sealing, testing, and QA processes, contributing to proactive risk identification and continuous improvement across markets. A relevant apprenticeship or degree and strong communication are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship or degree in Fashion, Garment Construction or Quality, or equivalent experience.
• Strong communication and the ability to tailor messages to different audiences.
• Eagerness to develop knowledge and support personal growth within a retail QA environment.

Responsibilities

• Support development of products meeting Matalan QA standards.
• Assist with sealing and testing requirements to ensure compliant products.
• Identify potential fit or quality risks at early stages.
• Investigate quality issues with senior team members to define root causes and corrective actions.
• Develop understanding of quality standards across relevant retail markets.

Skills

Communication skills

Feedback skills

Education

Fashion/Garment/Quality degree or apprenticeship

Job description

Salary: Competitive plus benefits

Working Pattern: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

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.

About The Role

The Trainee Product Technologist contributes to the development of products in line with Matalan’s Quality Assurance Standards, while supporting technologists, buying and design teams, and suppliers to ensure products meet customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply technical expertise to support the delivery of consistent, compliant products aligned to Matalan quality standards


• Build capability in product sealing and testing requirements to confidently approve test reports within a commercial environment


• Identify and flag potential fit or quality risks at the earliest stage


• Support the investigation of quality issues from sealing or production, working with senior team members to define root cause and corrective actions


• Develop a strong understanding of quality standards across all relevant retail markets to ensure products are fit for purpose


• Adopt and utilise digital quality systems to support efficient and consistent ways of working


• Conduct regular store visits to validate that delivered products meet business and customer quality expectations


• Build awareness of competitor quality benchmarks to inform and support continuous improvement


• Actively participate in technical training to broaden knowledge across product categories and functions

About You

• Relevant apprenticeship or degree within a similar field of Fashion, Garment Construction & Quality, or equivalent experience within a professional environment


• Strong communicator with skills to tailor to the audience


• Seeks opportunities to develop to support personal development and knowledge


• Provides feedback in a professional, courteous and respectful manner

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