Product Technologist

About Twelve
Twelve designs and builds the world's most inspiring merchandise and packaging for the world's most coveted brands. Applying our uniquely tested end-to-end methodology, we seamlessly integrate our expert teams and global supply chain to turn wild dreams into high-return realities. Our difference lies in our approach to partnership and our commitment to social responsibility—proudly B-Corp certified and working exclusively with vetted and approved partners.

As a Product Technologist, you will serve as the critical link between our Development and Operations teams, ensuring that all products meet compliance, quality, and regulatory standards from design through production. You will proactively identify, and address compliance requirements based on product type, working closely with Product Developers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to maintain the highest standards of safety, quality, and legal compliance across global markets.

Key Responsibilities
Compliance Strategy & Product Testing

• Support the Global Compliance Manager, QA Manager and Senior Product Technologist in developing compliance processes, manuals, and initiatives aligned with business strategy.
• Develop and implement test plans for products, advising Development teams on appropriate test methods.
• Liaise with suppliers on compliance expectations (e.g., REACH, Prop 65) before order confirmation.
• Analyze and respond to testing failures, creating action plans and identifying areas for improvement.
• Maintain and evolve the Global Testing Manual, ensuring alignment with international standards.
• Train Junior and Assistant Technologists on global testing requirements and methodologies.
• Liaising with client nominated 3rd party test houses, interacting with client testing portals, understanding client specific testing protocols

Product Labelling & Regulatory Compliance

• Advise Development and Art teams on mandatory labelling requirements, including fibre content, country of origin, age-related symbols, and warnings.
• Develop instructions for use for products and packaging.
• Ensure Prop 65 warnings are properly applied where required.

Product Risk Assessment

• Responsible for risk assessing product and packaging for compliance with global legislations.
• Potential quality or safety concerns will be documented, raised with the vendor, and passed to the Operations team at handover.
• Update product status file/portal with comments relevant to risk, testing, production and quality issues.
• Review new briefs to ensure project is feasible for construction, material type, technique.
• Review new samples to ensure they meet client specifications and expected performance/quality standards before sending from China to head office.
• Ensure products are safe, legal and fit for purpose through continued risk assessment.
• Executing product and packaging user trials where appropriate to ensure item is safe and fit for purpose
• Create range boards for approval, own the communication regarding the standard with development team and vendor.
• Checking PPS samples against the agreed client specification
• Review bulk fabric swatches/components before sending to head office for final approval TBC

Vendor Management

• In partnership with wider Compliance team, advising new vendors on twelve quality and testing expectations after onboarding.
• Managing queries from existing vendors
• In partnership with QA Manager, generating action plans following a product QC failure, liaising with vendor on CAP
• Implement procedures to ensure continued high quality standards.
• Building a library of client's quality requirements

Product Quality

• In partnership with wider Compliance team, advising new vendors on twelve quality and testing expectations after onboarding.
• Managing queries from existing vendors
• In partnership with QA Manager, generating action plans following a product QC failure, liaising with vendor on CAP
• Implement procedures to ensure continued high quality standards.
• Building a library of client's quality requirements

Communication & Training

• Work closely with design, development and marketing to ensure language used for product descriptions on client facing documents is clear and accurate
• Create and present training materials designed to educate factory partners and Junior compliance teams on Compliance topics i.e. product testing, product quality, labelling requirements, certifications
• Establish and maintain close dialogue with Clients Far East Compliance and Regulatory teams

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Product Technologist, Quality, or Compliance role, preferably within consumer goods, packaging, or branded merchandise.
• Strong understanding of global product compliance, testing standards, and risk assessment.
• Ability to analyze testing data, identify patterns of failure, and propose improvements.
• Ability to translate complex compliance requirements into clear, actionable guidance for internal teams and suppliers.
• Proactive in identifying compliance risks and implementing solutions.
• Comfortable working across teams, including Development, Operations, and Suppliers.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a fast-growing, design-led product development agency working with some of the world's most exciting brands.
• Play a pivotal role in ensuring product compliance, quality, and safety across global markets.
• Work in a collaborative environment that values innovation, expertise, and personal growth.