Garment Technologist
Oxfordshire
£40,000–£50,000 DOE
Permanent
We are recruiting an experienced Garment Technologist for an established and growing UK clothing business. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to take genuine ownership of their technical discipline rather than operate as one small part of a large department.
The business is continuing to invest in its product range, supplier network and internal technical capability, creating an opportunity for the successful person to build on strong foundations while continuing to improve processes, product quality and garment development.
You will work closely with senior stakeholders and international manufacturing partners, with significant autonomy to manage your own priorities and influence how the technical function develops.
The Role
As Garment Technologist, you will take responsibility for the technical development and performance of a varied clothing range from initial development through to production.
You will work across garment construction, fit, fabrics, technical specifications, sampling, quality and supplier management while ensuring products consistently meet the required commercial and technical standards.
Key Responsibilities
· Manage garment development from initial concept and sample stages through to production.
· Create, review and maintain accurate technical packs and product specifications.
· Manage garment measurements, sizing and fit requirements.
· Review samples and provide clear technical feedback to suppliers and manufacturers.
· Assess garment construction, fabrics, trims and components.
· Support fabric testing, fittings and pre-production approvals.
· Maintain accurate size charts and technical documentation.
· Manage colour standards, fabric swatches and sample approvals.
· Work closely with overseas suppliers and manufacturing partners throughout the development process.
· Identify and resolve technical or quality issues before products reach production.
· Build effective long-term relationships with suppliers.
· Recommend improvements to garment construction, materials and manufacturing methods.
· Monitor product performance and customer feedback to identify opportunities for improvement.
· Support the continued development of technical and quality processes.
· Work collaboratively with purchasing, product, quality and senior leadership teams.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for someone with strong practical garment technology experience who is confident operating independently and taking ownership of their work.
You will ideally have:
· Previous experience working as a Garment Technologist or within a closely related apparel technical role.
· Strong understanding of garment construction and manufacturing techniques.
· Good technical knowledge of fabrics, materials and components.
· Experience creating and managing technical packs.
· Knowledge of garment sizing, fit and measurements.
· Experience reviewing and approving garment samples.
· Experience working with overseas suppliers or manufacturers.
· Excellent technical problem-solving skills.
· The ability to communicate technical information clearly to different audiences.
· Confidence managing multiple projects and priorities.
· Strong supplier and stakeholder-management skills.
The Person
This business operates with a high level of trust and autonomy, so this opportunity will particularly suit someone who enjoys taking responsibility and making things happen.
You will need to be:
· Proactive and self-motivated.
· Comfortable working independently.
· Adaptable when priorities change.
· Confident challenging existing ways of working.
· Resilient when dealing with technical or supplier issues.
· Comfortable communicating with senior stakeholders.
· Commercially aware as well as technically strong.
· Someone who looks for solutions rather than waiting for instruction.
You will be given the opportunity to make the position your own and influence how the technical function develops as the business continues to grow.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
This role offers the combination of technical ownership, autonomy and influence.
Rather than joining a heavily layered technical department, you will have the opportunity to work closely with decision-makers, develop supplier relationships, improve existing processes and directly influence the quality and development of future products
