Junior Product Technologist

Someone has to work out whether that children’s craft kit is safe, what tests to do on glitter, what warnings need to go on the packaging and whether it can legally be sold. You can learn to be that person.

THE COMPANY

TALO. is working exclusively with an established consumer products business based in South Wales. They design, develop and manufacture a huge variety of consumer products from wrapping paper, gift bags and partyware to stationery, kid’s craft kits, art materials, Christmas decorations and more.

You’ll work with an experienced manager who’ll help you learn how consumer products are tested and approved, building your knowledge across product safety, quality, compliance and sustainability as you develop your career.

Located in South Wales, they’re easily commutable from Cardiff, Bristol, Swansea, with the Brecon Beacons National Park within easy reach too. They work on a hybrid basis (3 days in the office, 2 from home). There's plenty of flexibility around working hours with possible start times between 7am and 10am so whether you're an early riser, prefer a later start or have drop-offs and pick-ups to work around, you can do what works for you.

THE ROLE

You’ll learn from experienced Technologists and your manager, initially shadowing them as you learn how products are assessed, tested and approved before they reach major UK retailers.

• Supporting products through risk assessment, testing and technical approval ahead of launch.
• Learning how to identify what regulations and testing requirements apply to different products – whether that’s a craft kit, Christmas decoration, stationery product or something completely new.
• Checking materials and components to understand whether they meet the relevant product safety and chemical requirements.
• Reviewing artwork, packaging and labelling – from checking the right safety warnings are included to making sure the information on pack is accurate.
• Helping to develop and maintain technical files, product specifications, test reports and other compliance documentation.
• Working closely with Buying, Design and overseas manufacturing partners to gather product information, samples and documentation.
• Helping to investigate when something isn’t right with a product and working with suppliers and the wider team to understand the problem and find a solution.
• Building your knowledge of areas such as toy safety/EN71, REACH, GPSR, FSC/timber and chemical compliance – you won’t be expected to know all of this when you join.
• As your knowledge and confidence grow, you’ll take on more responsibility for your own products and gradually learn to manage them through the technical approval process yourself.

ABOUT YOU

You don’t need previous experience as a Product Technologist – that’s what you’ll be learning. You could already be working in a junior product-focused role such as Buying Admin, NPD or Product Development and be looking for a change, or you could be a recent graduate looking to start your career.

Either way, you’ll be naturally curious about how things work and interested in how products are made. You’ll enjoy getting into the detail, asking questions and figuring things out.

Relevant degrees could include Product Design, Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Buying & Merchandising or Product Development. Any relevant experience through a placement, internship, university project or previous role would be particularly useful.

Due to their out-of-town location, you’ll need to be able to drive and have access to a car.

THE REWARD

This is a great opportunity to build a career in product technology, gaining experience across product safety, quality, compliance and sustainability. There’s room to progress too – the department Manager has built their own career within the business, so you’ll be learning from someone who knows first-hand what those opportunities can look like.

Alongside a salary of £28,000 - £30,000, there’s hybrid working (3 days office, 2 from home), flexible start and finish times around core hours, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, a holiday purchase scheme, enhanced family leave policies and other benefits.

£28,000 - £30,000 + Hybrid Working (3 Days Office, 2 Home) + Flexible Hours

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WHY CHOOSE TALO.?

TALO. specialises in commercial and product-focused head office roles: Buying, Merch, Design, Quality, Ecommerce, Marketing, Supply Chain, and everything in between. With over 10 years’ recruitment experience in homeware and consumer goods, we know and work with the growing retailers, brands, and suppliers that value great people.

Apply through us and you’ll get proper insight into the business, team, and hiring manager, honest interview feedback (no ghosting - ever), and support every step of the way. We ask the right questions and help you prepare so you walk into an interview with confidence.

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