At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the design and production of cutting-edge sportswear for strength athletes.
- Company: SBD Apparel is a leading UK sportswear brand known for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, free meals, 33 days holiday, and a casual dress code.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team creating garments for world-class athletes while promoting British manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Experience in garment technology or fashion design is preferred; strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Join us at our state-of-the-art facility in Sheffield and enjoy a supportive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a passionate and experienced Garment Technologist who would like to support the production of market-leading sportswear for strength sports? At SBD Apparel, we are proud to champion British manufacturing—designing, developing, testing, and producing our products in our state-of-the-art facility in Sheffield. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to garments worn by world-class strength athletes on global stages, and to be part of a team that upholds the highest standards of performance, quality, and innovation.
THE OPPORTUNITY
SBD is developing new sportswear lines, and we are seeking a Garment Technologist to support in designing and manufacturing market-leading garments. You will report to the Garment Line Manager and work collaboratively with our production and design departments to ensure commercial viability of our products.
Garment Technologist roles and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Garment Development
- Construct and refine garment samples to test design, fit, and functionality in collaboration with the design team.
- Create pre-production samples and establish the most efficient method of make for production.
- Optimise products for cost, time, and material efficiency.
- Establish quality standards and support with validating quality during pre-production and in-line spot checks.
- Support with tech pack development, including input into standard operating procedures and the administration of SBD’s quality management system.
- Assist with new product presentations to production teams and other stakeholders.
- Production Implementation
- Train production machinists on new product builds and support smooth handover to full-scale manufacturing.
- Advise production and machine engineers on machine settings, guides, folders, and tools to facilitate with production efficiency and operator ergonomics.
- Adjust and maintain machinery, liaising with mechanics to ensure optimal performance.
- Reverse engineer existing and future products to ensure the accuracy of the products bill of materials.
- Organise and control product versions, and related documentation.
- Provide flexible production support across lines, including covering absences and resolving day-to-day operational issues.
- Assist management in promoting a safe, positive, and calm working environment.
- Act as a positive, approachable team member who leads by example, embodying the company’s values and code of conduct in all interactions.
THE SKILLS
We encourage you to apply if you are someone who can demonstrate the following:
- Experience in a fast-paced factory environment, working to high standards of conformity with regular QC interaction.
- Proven accuracy and competence in all sewing machine processes, with a strong focus on safe working practices.
- Confidence with a range of fabrics and production techniques to meet quality and efficiency targets.
- A collaborative, approachable attitude with the confidence and clarity to present, train and support others effectively.
- Excellent communication skills across teams and levels.
- Initiative to identify and suggest areas for improvement.
- Able to manage time effectively and meet deadlines.
- Self-motivation and comfort working independently.
- Attention to detail in both physical and digital tasks.
- Qualifications such as a degree or HND in Fashion Design, Fashion Technology, or Garment Technology are desirable.
- Confident using computer and software systems, with a commitment to keeping technical knowledge up to date.
THE COMPANY
SBD is a global sportswear brand, designing and manufacturing market-leading performance products for strength sports. Our team is proud to craft all our products in the United Kingdom, with the majority fully manufactured at our headquarters on the Advanced Manufacturing Park, Rotherham. Our commitment to quality has seen our products become the standard among strength athletes in gyms across the world, including those competing in the World’s Strongest Man and the IPF World Powerlifting Championships.
THE BENEFITS
- New SBD Headquarters – Join us in our state-of-the-art building. A dynamic space designed for innovation, collaboration and sustainable growth.
- Complimentary Breakfast and Lunch – Enjoy a delicious selection of food served fresh daily so you can save time & money and focus on your best work.
- Casual Dress Code – Allowing you to work comfortably and be yourself!
- Free Onsite Parking – Priority spaces go to those who car share too.
- Performance Related Bonus – Directly linking the success of SBD to your earnings.
- 33 Days’ Holiday including Bank Holidays – Providing flexibility for your personal life and well-deserved breaks.
- Employee Assistance Programme – Your wellbeing matters to us, so our EAP provides a wealth of resources and professional support for any of life’s challenges.
- 40% Staff Discount – Letting you experience our quality firsthand for less.
- Strength Sports Event Tickets – Help us to celebrate the power and dedication we admire across the disciplines, live!
- Employee Referral Scheme – Get rewarded handsomely through our generous employee referral scheme when you help us find more great talent.
HOURS: 40 hours per week
LOCATION: Unit 2b Lanchester Way, Advanced Manufacturing Park, Waverley, S60 5FX
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 12pm Friday 11th July 2025
HOW TO APPLY
We welcome applications from both internal and external candidates. If you wish to apply for this vacancy, please visit https://www.sbdapparel.com/careers where you will be able to submit your application online. If you want to know more or wish to discuss anything in more detail please contact hr@sbdapparel.com to arrange a phone call with one of our team.
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our people, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. We are also dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of their background, beliefs, or any other protected characteristic.
Garment Technologist employer: SBD Apparel
Contact Detail:
SBD Apparel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Garment Technologist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with SBD Apparel's product lines and their commitment to quality. Understanding their market-leading sportswear and the specific needs of strength athletes will help you demonstrate your passion and alignment with their values during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of SBD Apparel on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide you with insider knowledge about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in garment development and production processes in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've optimised products for cost, time, and material efficiency, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative skills by thinking of ways you can contribute to team dynamics at SBD Apparel. Prepare examples of how you've successfully trained others or worked across departments, as teamwork is a key aspect of the Garment Technologist role.
We think you need these skills to ace Garment Technologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in garment technology, production processes, and any specific skills mentioned in the job description. Use keywords from the job posting to align your qualifications with what SBD Apparel is looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for sportswear and your understanding of the role. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to contribute to SBD Apparel's mission of quality and innovation.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your experience with fabrics, sewing machine processes, and quality control. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams in a fast-paced environment to meet production goals.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Garment Technologist role.
How to prepare for a job interview at SBD Apparel
✨Know Your Fabrics
As a Garment Technologist, you'll be working with various fabrics. Make sure to research and understand the properties of different materials, as well as their production techniques. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've identified issues in garment production and how you resolved them. Highlighting your initiative and ability to suggest improvements will show that you're proactive and can contribute positively to the team.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Quality Standards
Understanding quality control processes is crucial for this role. Brush up on the quality standards relevant to sportswear manufacturing and be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous positions. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to high-quality output.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to garment development, production methods, and machinery settings. Review your technical knowledge and be ready to explain your experience with sewing machine processes and garment construction. This will showcase your competence and confidence in the field.