Technologist - Decorations & Gifts

As our Technologist for Decorations & Gifts, you’ll play a key role in ensuring that products within the category meet all relevant safety, quality and regulatory requirements for the UK and EU, from concept through to customer and consumer. Working closely with design, product development, buying and supply chain teams, you’ll provide expert technical guidance that supports informed decision‑making and effective risk management.

You’ll contribute directly to protecting the Hallmark brand by helping deliver safe, compliant and responsibly sourced products, supporting consistency, quality and customer confidence across our growing Decorations & Gifts portfolio.

Your Responsibilities

• Provide technical advice to design, product development and buying teams from concept and product selection through to production.
• Review product specifications, artwork and packaging to ensure accurate and compliant safety information.
• Conduct and manage product risk assessments, including material safety, physical hazards, chemical risks and age grading.
• Review third‑party laboratory test reports to confirm results meet internal standards and legal requirements.
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date technical files so all compliance documentation is audit‑ready.
• Provide guidance and training to colleagues on product safety to support informed decision‑making.
• Work with Buyers to assess new Supplier or Sourcing Agent capability and review ongoing compliance of existing Suppliers.
• Drive product safety and quality improvements through analysis of customer service complaints and feedback data.
• Monitor regulatory changes and work proactively with stakeholders to prepare for and manage change.
• Collaborate with Product Managers, Buyers, Hallmark Asia Buying Office teams, Suppliers and Supply Chain partners to ensure clear communication on product safety and quality matters.
• Liaise with external Product Safety Consultants and third‑party laboratories where required.
• Support other Technologists within the wider Product Integrity and Technical team when needed.

Your Accountabilities

• Ensuring products comply with applicable UK and EU legislation and standards, including EN 71, REACH and the EU General Product Safety Regulation.
• Championing a culture of product safety and quality with a zero‑tolerance approach to quality or legal failings.
• Leading product safety incident management, including investigation, root cause analysis and corrective actions such as recalls or withdrawals where required.
• Acting as the main point of contact with Trading Standards or equivalent EU authorities.
• Driving continuous improvement through a preventive approach to product quality and safety management.

To Be Successful You Will Need

• Experience in a Product Technologist or Product Compliance role.
• Background in retail, consumer goods or manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of UK and EU product safety regulations and compliance requirements.
• Technical understanding across a broad range of materials and manufacturing processes.
• Experience working with third‑party laboratories and global suppliers.
• Ability to review test reports and technical documentation effectively.
• Experience conducting structured risk assessments and making evidence‑based decisions.
• Understanding of sustainability considerations, including materials and recyclability labelling (e.g. OPRL).
• Knowledge of quality management systems such as ISO 9001.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple categories.
• Effective problem‑solving skills and a proactive approach.
• Clear, confident communication skills with the ability to advise and train colleagues.
• Strong collaboration skills and a passion for delivering safe, high‑quality products.