Senior Technical Manager

We are recruiting for a Senior Technical Manager to lead our Harrods Own Label Strategy through the Quality Assurance team. 

About the Role 

As the Senior Technical Manager you will be responsible for the leadership and implementation of the Harrods Corporate Social Responsibility principles, alongside legal and technical compliance across all categories: these include Apparel, Accessories, Homeware and Christmas. You will be accountable for the integrity of the Harrods Brand through effective product and supplier approval and management. 

You will lead the Harrods Own Label Quality Assurance team day to day, including all people management activities, training, coaching and development of their knowledge and skills. You will ensure the Technical Team deliver in line with key dates and take ownership of tasks in line with these critical timelines. You will also create and implement the Technical Strategy for each category in line with overarching business objectives. 

Your duties will also include:

• Sourcing and onboarding Suppliers, responding to short- and long-term product strategies.
• Building and fostering excellent supplier relationships. 
• Monitoring supplier performance seasonally, lead technical reviews, Vendor Score Card process and contribution to Supplier Appraisals
• Researching into, and lead, memberships to industry bodies, networks, working groups, be able to call on network for support, advice and sharing of innovation.
• Creating and regularly reviewing Harrods Supplier Manual, T&Cs and the Brand Standards ensuring these are adhered to across the supply base and protect Harrods commercial compliance and interests. 
• Taking ownership  of  technically  related  documents  required  by  suppliers  to  include  auditing  documents, technical spec sheets etc. To monitor and update regularly, actively revisiting with suppliers. 
• Continuous monitoring of product quality through competitor benchmarking; with the aim to deliver best in class, reviewing seasonally, delivering results to the wider team and ensuring implementation.
• Leading enquiries together with Legal and CSR into emerging or new product laws.

About You 

You will have a wealth of experience in a similar role, be passionate about product, with an eye for technical detail and excellence. You will hold a technically-oriented qualification, preferably at degree level, is desirable. Hailing from multi-product  business, you will have the expert knowledge and ability  to  move  between  product  areas  with  assurance  across  hardlines, homeware, stationery, bags and accessories, apparel. You will be confident to positively challenge technical processes with experience in delivering improved changes. 

Our Senior Technical Manager will have in depth knowledge of compliance laws and certifications, with a proven track record of developing site standards with experience in third party certification as well as working with small artisan suppliers. 

The ideal candidate will also have:

• Experience in supplier auditing.
• Knowledge of of sustainability, CSR processes and ethical management Excellent team management capabilities, at Manager or Head Of level.
• A strong customer service focus when dealing with both internal and external parties.
• A collaborative leadership style, and able to join the dots across the business.
• Commercial acumen and able to understand key areas for opportunity.
• A flexible approach – able to adapt between strategic big picture thinking and a detail orientated analytical approach.

About Us

Harrods is one of the world’s leading luxury department stores and we’re becoming a destination for top designers, and the most sought-after brands from around the globe. Our combined mission is to make visiting our iconic Knightsbridge store one of the world’s most inspiring shopping experiences.

Our Promise to You

Help us make the impossible possible for our customers and we’ll do something remarkable for you. As well as offering a friendly environment to inspire your best work, we provide abundant opportunities and support to build an exceptional career across the varied specialisms of our business. 

In return you’ll receive an excellent benefits package, including a company pension, eligibility for a competitive bonus flexible working, 25 days’ holiday, and your birthday off, up to 33% in-store discount (including across our food hall and restaurants) and a season ticket loan.

Uniquely You

At Harrods we believe the personality and authenticity of our people sets us apart. We celebrate and invite applications from all cultures, backgrounds, tastes, and experiences and are proud of our culture where people from all walks of life can grow and thrive. What makes you unique makes us exceptional.

If you want to know more about our people and our culture, search #TogetherHarrods on LinkedIn, Facebook or follow us on Instagram @togetherharrods