Technical Designer

Technical Designer - Handbags & Soft Accessories

Brighter Futures Start Here We are an inclusive team who power two of the most iconic and loved brands, Kmart and Target. We have more than 50,000 passionate individuals across our stores, distribution centres, and offices around the globe.

With our brands touching the lives of almost two million customers every week, you’ll feel the impact of the work you’ll do every day. As a leader in the retail market, we’re optimistic about our future and yours. We’re changing at a rapid rate, giving you challenging work that you’ll be proud of.

Join the team

Are you passionate about product quality and technical excellence in fashion accessories? We’re looking for aTechnical Designer – Handbags and Soft Accessories to join our team and lead quality assurance across our soft accessories category in Kmart Group.

W hat you’ll be doing

As the Technical Designer, you will be the go-to expert for all things quality and compliance in handbags and soft accessories. You’ll work closely with local vendors, offshore QA/QC teams, and internal stakeholders to ensure our products meet the highest standards of safety, construction, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead Quality Assurance: Manage quality processes with local suppliers, ensuring compliance with standards and resolving inspection failures and escalated customer complaints.
- Customer-Facing Quality : Investigate and resolve product quality and safety complaints. Conduct store audits and support customer satisfaction initiatives.
- Technical Support : Act as the first point of contact for technical issues related to accessories for both Kmart and Target teams in Melbourne.
- Product Development Support : Collaborate with buying and design teams to ensure product construction, safety, and quality standards are met during development.
- Compliance & Safety : Stay updated on regulatory changes and coordinate training with compliance teams and third-party partners.
- Benchmarking & Audits : Conduct competitor benchmarking and scheduled store audits. Spot-check websites to ensure accurate product representation.
- Documentation & Systems : Provide feedback on samples, manage approvals/rejections in PLM/GBSS, and advise on hangers/hangtags as needed.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration : Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders including Buyers, Product Technicians, and Quality teams to ensure alignment and timely delivery across the critical path.
- Asia Collaboration : Maintain close communication with QA and QC counterparts in Asia to ensure consistency and alignment on standards and processes.

To be successful in this role you’ll have:

- Proven experience in handbags and soft accessories with a deep understanding of product construction and materials.
- Exceptional attention to detail ensuring every product meets our high standards.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills especially with Buyers, Compliance, and Product Technicians.
- Experience in quality assurance and compliance including supplier engagement and issue resolution.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities to navigate challenges and drive continuous improvement.
- Familiarity with PLM systems and product development processes to manage workflows efficiently.

Benefits we’ll offer you:

- Flexible hybrid working options through our Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well policy.
- A team member discount card that gives you a discount at Kmart, Target, Officeworks and Bunnings
- Access to the Kmart for You benefits program which entitles you to exclusive discounts and benefits in the areas of entertainment, travel, lifestyle, and health – with over 60 suppliers
- We want you to feel rewarded for your commitment and hard work that's why eligible team membersgetthe opportunity to participate in a bonus program
- We offer inclusive parental leave, and ongoing support offered though our partnership with Circle In for team members of all backgrounds and family circumstances
- A dynamic learning and support program
- Opportunity to fast track your career through our Mentor Program as a Mentee or Mentor
- A Kudos recognition program, where you are nominated by your peers to spin a wheel, to win a stack of cool prizes
- Great career opportunities across the broader Wesfarmers Group

We celebrate the rich diversity of the communities in which we operate. We are committed to creating inclusive and safe environments where all our team members can contribute and succeed. We believe that all team members should feel valued, respected and safe, and strive to ensure our recruitment process is accessible and welcoming, with applications encouraged from all candidates.

We encourage you to tell us about any workplace adjustments that you would like, by emailing kmartgroupcareers@kmart.com.au.

If you would like to explore a career with Kmart and this sounds like the perfect role for you – apply now

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