Product Technician Knitwear

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 have an exciting opportunity for a Product Technician – Knitwear to join our Menswear team based at Barbour House, South Shields. This role will be responsible for the development of new seasonal ranges of Knitwear, supporting bulk production sealing procedures & quality control. Working with the men’s Design team and Technical Manager to develop fit for purpose, production viable, price appropriate, quality products. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Work closely with Design to source and develop Knitwear seasonally – aligned to business needs and 5yr plan. In conjunction with key suppliers, check and measure development through to sealing samples. Assessing against specifications while partnering with the design team to conduct fit sessions, providing technical input and a commercial eye, to ensure consistent and proper fit of garments. Work closely with Suppliers to understand their strengths and capabilities for initial placement of new development. Create detailed and fully informative sample comments to support suppliers in the creation of accurate samples from initial proto sample development to SMS and pre-production sign off all in line with key critical path deadlines. Communicate daily with suppliers regarding quality and technical issues, critical path milestones and sample delivery and costs. Identify potential production, quality and costing issues and make recommendations to ensure brand integrity. Update the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system with technical information, ensuring all information is clear, accurate and accessible for the team Track and manage workflow and workload to maintain company critical path deadlines. Support and- when required- visit manufacturing sites, assess manufacturers for suitability for Barbour production. Support in the assessment of new suppliers and onboarding process. Skills and Experience: Preferred – Degree in Garment Technology/ Fashion or related equivalent. Ideally specialising on knitwear. Experience working in a similar role across product development, garment tech Strong understanding of yarns, construction, pattern cutting & garment fit in knitwear Previous use of PLM system/s or similar an advantage. Experience of working with overseas suppliers. Effective problem solving and decision-making skills. Proactive, assertive, organised, capable of prioritising workload and able to deliver to given timelines. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Competent all-round IT skills. Demonstrate an understanding of the Barbour brand positioning, it’s heritage and competitor brands Additional Information: UK & international travel required Benefits: Discretionary Company bonus scheme Staff discount Staff shop Healthcare cash plan 25 days holiday as standard increasing with length of service plus bank holidays Free onsite parking Subsidised canteen Access to training and development activities to support your career development 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.