Garment Technician

Company Description

The Barbour story began in 1894 in South Shields in the North East of England. Founder John Barbour began supplying oilskins and other garments to protect the growing community of sailors, fishermen and dockers. Still family owned and now fifth generation, Barbour HQ remains in South Shields. Under the leadership of Chairman Dame Margaret Barbour, Barbour has grown into a lifestyle brand sold in over 55 countries worldwide including Europe, the US and Asia offering a wardrobe of stylish functional clothing, footwear and accessories inspired by the unique values of the British countryside. The iconic Barbour Bedale and Barbour Beaufort wax jackets continue to be made by hand in the factory in South Shields. In 2020, Barbour launched Wax for Life, an overarching name for all of Barbour\’s wax services designed to encourage customers to extend the life of their wax garments. Wax for Life includes re-waxing and repairs (first introduced in 1921) and Barbour Re-Loved an upcycling circularity initiative. Each year over 70,000 wax garments are sent back to Barbour globally to be repaired, rewaxed or altered.

Position Overview

We currently have an opportunity for a Garment Technician to join our Menswear team, based at Barbour House, South Shields. You will be responsible for overseeing the successful development of new styles, from first proto to gold seal approval. Helping to ensure we continue to deliver premium products in line with the business critical path and budget.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work closely with the design team and manufacturing base to ensure the on-time development of men\’s collections.
• Review new specs and blocks and issue and track new season proto requests.
• Create and update size charts.
• Create/maintain seasonal trackers – track/chase/book in development samples (from 1st proto to gold seal).
• Plan and lead weekly fit sessions.
• Measure/review development samples ahead of fit sessions.
• Create and issue detailed, accurate and concise sample reports to suppliers, must be able to clearly communicate to suppliers and team members how to fix fit or make issues.
• Identify and help solve potential development and/or production problems – including but not limited to pattern and construction issues.
• Manage consistency across fits and continuously monitor and elevate quality.
• Ensure compliance with product safety and legislation, requesting and approving test reports where relevant.
• Support QA/QC – helping to identify/solve issues as and when needed.
• Support with answering customer service queries as and when needed.
• Learn and understand suppliers capabilities and help direct development/production where needed.
• Supplier visits as and when needed.
• General admin – liaise with other departments, sales, suppliers, factories helping to answer queries and resolve any issues raised.

Skills and Experience

• A degree within the fashion industry/ clothing technology field.
• Experience in similar role across product development, garment technology and quality control.
• Strong understanding of pattern cutting, fit and garment construction, with an awareness of commercial boundaries.
• Previous use of PLM systems, or similar.
• Experience of working with overseas suppliers.
• Effective problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Proactive, assertive, organised and capable of prioritising workload and able to deliver to given timelines.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Computer literate with good Microsoft Office skills.

Benefits

• Discretionary Company bonus scheme
• Staff discount
• Staff shop
• 25 days holiday as standard increasing with length of service plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Free onsite parking
• Subsidised canteen
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Access to training and development activities to support your career development
• Operate hybrid & flexible working
• 4pm finish on a Friday
• Wellbeing support
• Refer a friend bonus scheme
• Reward & Recognition Program
• Length of Service Rewards

Note: In the event that a sufficient volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.