Knitwear Quality Technician for Continuous Improvement in Hawick

We have an excellent opportunity available for a proactive and adaptable professional to play a key role in our quality department as our new Quality Technician. You would play a key role supporting our quality lead to enhance production quality control, continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration to maintain the very highest standards for our customers.

Success in this role requires someone who is proactive, curious, and confident working within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. We are looking for an individual who can identify quality risks early, build strong working relationships across departments, and support continuous improvement through a practical and solution-focused approach.

Barrie Knitwear is a globally renowned fashion manufacturer, celebrated for combining exceptional technical expertise with traditional craftsmanship to create complex couture cashmere garments. Based in Hawick in the Scottish Borders, we have over 100 years of heritage and proudly supply some of the world’s most prestigious luxury fashion houses. As we continue to grow and transform, this is an exciting time to join our team.

The Quality Technician is responsible for monitoring and improving product and process quality throughout manufacturing operations. The position works closely with production teams to ensure compliance with customer requirements, approved standards, and internal quality procedures. Key duties summarised below:

• Conduct first piece inspections against approved customer standards and reference samples.
• Perform routine in-line quality audits across manufacturing departments.
• Verify compliance with approved manufacturing methods, specifications, and quality standards.
• Monitor production processes to identify quality concerns before defects progress.
• Confirm that production teams are following approved procedures and quality requirements.
• Verify that quality checkpoints and controls are consistently applied.
• Support implementation of corrective actions when deviations are found.
• Identify product and process quality risks during manufacturing.
• Escalate quality concerns to the Quality Lead and relevant team.
• Support root cause investigations and containment activities.
• Communicate quality expectations throughout manufacturing operations.
• Participate in quality improvement projects aimed at reducing defects, rework, and quality failures.
• Contribute to analysis of quality data and recurring defect trends.
• Promote quality awareness and best practices across manufacturing.
• Uphold quality standards, customer requirements, and internal procedure.
• Support consistent application of quality standards across production.

Essential:

• Strong understanding of knitwear construction and garment assembly.
• Experience within garment manufacturing and quality control.
• Can interpret instructions, standards, and customer quality requirements.
• High attention to detail and ability to identify quality risks and defects.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and make objective decisions.
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Confidence working with production teams and supporting quality improvements on the manufacturing floor.

Desirable:

• Experience conducting audit or in-line quality inspection.
• Familiarity with quality reporting systems and digital data collection tools.
• Understanding of root cause analysis and continuous improvement.

Personal Attributes:

• Proactive and solution-focused mindset.
• Strong observation and analytical skills.
• Professional and confident communicator.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to influence positive change.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and can work in a fast-paced environment.
• Committed to maintaining the highest standards of product quality.

What benefits can you expect?

• Flexible working options (role dependent)
• 33 days annual leave (including public holidays)
• Early finish on Fridays
• Flexible benefits scheme (including Cycle to Work and gym discounts)
• Time Off in Lieu scheme
• Employer pension contribution
• Life assurance Scheme
• Health & wellbeing programme (including health cash plan)
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and join a world-class manufacturing team, we’d love to hear from you. Apply via our Teamtailor platform and we’ll be in touch to guide you through the next steps.