Product Technologist

As a Product Technologist at Action, you ensure that millions of customers across Europe can trust the quality, safety, compliance and sustainability of our products. Working from our international headquarters, you operate at the center of a fast‑paced retail organization where affordability and quality go hand in hand.

You collaborate closely with Buying, suppliers and international stakeholders, taking ownership of product specifications, quality performance and continuous improvement throughout the product lifecycle. Whether you are building your expertise or bringing extensive technical experience, this role offers real impact, responsibility and growth within a dynamic, international environment.

These are your daily actions?

• Develop, maintain and work with clear Product Specification Sheets (PSS), ensuring products meet quality, safety and fit‑for‑purpose standards.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with EU and country‑specific legislation, quality standards and internal policies.
• Analyse quality performance data (KPI’s, customer feedback, damaged goods and authority cases) and support corrective and preventive actions (CAP’s).
• Collaborate closely with Buying, suppliers and international stakeholders to drive product quality and continuous improvement.
• Support or lead benchmarking, user trials and product improvements to ensure functionality, durability and performance.
• Contribute to sustainability initiatives, including packaging reduction, recyclability and circularity ambitions.
• Support or participate in product withdrawals or recalls where necessary, ensuring correct documentation and follow‑up actions.

This is what your day could look like

A typical day as a Product Technologist at Action is both varied and dynamic. You start by reviewing quality performance data, customer feedback and open actions, ensuring priorities are clear. Throughout the day, you collaborate closely with Buying, suppliers and international colleagues, discussing product specifications, technical documentation, improvements or upcoming developments. You may work on benchmarking products, reviewing test results or supporting sustainability initiatives, while staying closely aligned with EU and country‑specific legislation. Every day brings new challenges, balancing quality, compliance and cost, with real impact on the products sold across our stores.

Who are you?

You are a driven and pragmatic Product Technologist with a strong focus on quality, safety and compliance. You feel comfortable working in a fast‑paced, international retail environment and enjoy collaborating with multiple stakeholders across different countries and sourcing models. You combine technical expertise with a hands‑on mindset and are motivated to continuously improve products, processes and ways of working—always with the customer in mind.

You bring:

• An academic or HBO degree related to a relevant product category.
• Experience in a Quality, Technical or Product Technology role within retail, manufacturing or a trading environment.
• The ability to analyse data such as quality KPI’s, customer feedback and sales to support decision‑making.
• A proactive, accurate and result‑driven way of working, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with Buying, suppliers and international stakeholders.
• A customer‑focused mindset and commitment to Action’s values of simplicity, teamwork, discipline and respect.
• Fluency in English; Fluency in Dutch would be very beneficial.

Finally, would it be very advantageous if you have: 

• Strong knowledge of product safety, EU and country‑specific legislation, risk analysis and product technical development.
• Experience working with product specifications, testing requirements and technical documentation.

What we offer?

Surprisingly more! From our bustling home base in the Netherlands, you’ll have an impact on the whole of Europe. The counter now stands at more than 3000 stores in 14 countries and millions of smiles from our customers. And we have big growth ambitions. For Action and for you. Our growth means that you can always take new steps, a different job, an interesting innovation project, new skills. As a professional you can develop without limits. All of this in a culture where our shared values are truly lived: Customer focus, teamwork, simplicity, discipline, cost consciousness and respect. 

Did you know that you can also count on us for:

• A market-based salary
• 24 days of holiday and the option of buying 5 extra days (based on 38 hours per week)
• 15% staff discount on your purchases at Action 
• A good pension scheme, collective health insurance and travel expenses allowance. Zwaagdijk-Oost is traffic jam-free and only 30 minutes by car from Amsterdam.

How we contribute to society?

If you only know Action from the stores, a world will open for you when you come and work with us. We work hard to make a positive impact on society and the environment. Did you know, for example, that we sponsor more than 2,500 children worldwide who grow up in an SOS Children's Village? That our team reflects the diversity of our customers, including 155 different nationalities? That we purchase 94% of our wood products and 100% of our cotton sustainably. And that almost all our stores only use energy-efficient LED lighting? Yes, that is also Action. Curious about what other initiatives we’re facilitating? Join our team and find out for yourself.

Are you interested? We'd love to hear from you

Does this job appeal to you, and are you ready to get started as a Product Technologist? Take action and apply for this vacancy. 

 
What happens after you apply? 

1. Response to your application within 14 days (and usually earlier)
2. First meeting with the manager and a colleague
3. Online assessment to get to know you better
4. Second and third interview with your recruiter, among others
5. If there's a match, welcome aboard as our new Product Technologist! 

Throughout the entire process, your recruiter will be your main point of contact and available to answer all your questions.