Product Development Assistant

In a nutshell

To provide top class support to the Product Development team, playing an integral role to deliver best-in-class general merchandise for our in-house brands.

What I am accountable for

• Working across Home and Seasonal categories as required, support the Product Developers in briefing new designs to factories, following sampling progress to ensure on-time and right-first-time development, & supporting in reviewing completed samples

• Handle sample delivery documents and monitoring tracking numbers to ensure no exceptions or delays. Unpacking samples/swatches from suppliers for checking and re-packing for sending to UK/suppliers.

• Monitoring the agreed Critical Path to ensure all key dates met

• Clear communication with all stakeholders, ensuring they are kept informed of key information through detailed updates to required trackers and tools

• Work closely with suppliers to compile new product opportunities, support the Product Developers to collect and edit proposals and share back to UK teams for review

• Establish strong relationships with our UK and Asia teams as well as with our suppliers, exhibiting best practise on communication and process, for the team and the brands/business

• As needed, support the Product Developers on suppliers visits to review samples in-situ and unlock new product opportunities

• Attend local trade fairs for inspiration, new supplier and product opportunities and share back in UK & Global forums independently

• General support on projects across Asia and Global teams. i.e. room booking, maintain and tidy sample area and swatch library regularly

What I need to know

Essential

• Basic knowledge of MS Office

• Minimum 1 year experience working in sourcing office or similar environment

• Good written and spoken English and Mandarin

• Open mind and able to communicate clearly to build strong relationships both with local stakeholders and global teams

• Able to work independently but operate within a tight knit unit to achieve our team goals

• Interest in design and product

• Willing to travel where required

• Proactive, detailed-oriented, well organized and problem solver

Desirable

• University degree or above preferred

• Product Development experience preferred, however candidates with merchandising experience in a Sourcing office and exposure to the product development management cycle may also apply

What I need to show

Our Valued Behaviours are our common DNA that every colleague should live by and provide the benchmark for how we deliver our goals/individual contribution, and how we relate to other colleagues in the organisation.

Own it

• Always do what you say you’ll do and suggest solutions for problems as you spot them

• Ask questions and contribute honestly in discussions or conversations

• Prioritise your work in line with team or project goals

Make it better

• Willing to try new approaches in order to improve and simplify

• Embrace variety and open to opportunities to transfer your skills to new challenges

• Seek information to better understand your role and how teams around you operate

• Act on feedback you receive and give accurate and timely feedback to others

Be human

• Show care and respect to everyone

• Seek opportunities to connect with others and build trusted relationships

• Walk in the shoes of your internal and external customers, considering their needs in all you do

From fragrance to car care, clothing and pots and pans, our Sourcing Team delivers all the non-food items for our Sainsbury’s, Habitat and Argos customers in the UK. This multi-brand environment means you get to work across most areas. You can also be a pioneer, because the team believes in being brave, iterating and learning as they go. Working with colleagues globally, you’ll develop deep connections to other departments, which opens up a lot of different career opportunities for you.

We understand that all important work life balance and the benefits this brings for you, your role and our business. At Sainsbury’s Argos Asia, we work flexibly so you can prioritise. Exactly how you work will vary from role to role and between teams, depending on the nature of your work and specific goals. You will be able to manage your time better and concentrate on your wellbeing, giving you time to exercise, spend time with your family and friends when it matters or just to simply recharge your batteries.

This is a truly inclusive culture so you’ll be welcomed whoever you are and wherever you go. Find out more about life working in Sainsbury’s Argos Asia and the importance we put into Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) by visiting our LinkedIn page - Sainsburys Argos Asia Limited