Footwear and Accessories Garment Technologist in Kingston upon Thames

Freelance Garment Technologist - Footwear & Accessories, 2 days per week, Kingston-Upon-Thames.

At Crew Clothing, we believe clothes are about so much more than “just clothes”. Designed with the spirit of the south coast in every stitch, our crossed oars are a mark of timeless British style. These are clothes for life’s best moments. We believe in collaboration, kindness and creativity, in celebrating our successes and championing our customer at every step of the way. From ’93 to now, people have been at the heart of everything we do. It’s in our name – Crew.

Purpose of the role

To develop product to Crew’s high quality which is appropriate for the Crew customer. To follow garment development from initiation through all stages of production, working closely with the Design and Buying teams together with the suppliers to ensure delivery of quality, fit, fabric performance and sizing to specification.

Responsibilities

• Design
  • Work closely with the design team to ensure specification sheets are created and up to date to critical path for new design packs.
  • Understand seasonal strategy, design vision and customer focus and ensure these complement the garment tech focus.
  • Develop standardized fits for core styles and classic pieces.
  • Assist design at initial design and proto with fabric construction and fabric performance knowledge.
  • Manage graded size specifications.
  • Develop new fits and blocks for coming ranges and ensure library is maintained, communicated and encourage ease of use.
• Production
  • Organize fit meetings liaising with senior garment technologist and buying team.
  • Manage all fit meetings to critical path, managing time and budgets.
  • Provide suppliers with technical data and feedback on fits, including changes to size charts.
  • Work with suppliers to rectify any possible problems to ensure quality is proactively managed.
  • Liaise with suppliers and approve fabric testing and care label information.
  • Monitor and record garments during all stages of manufacturing, ensuring that they meet the required standards.
  • Ensure critical path is adhered to regarding production and delivery dates and with an awareness of launch dates.
  • Be confident about escalating issues where product or delivery will be compromised, or dates in jeopardy.
  • Manage issues during production quickly and with commercial judgment.
  • Assess suppliers as to quality performance after the season.
• QC
  • Completing QC inspection on all goods delivered into the warehouse for approval before dispatch to stores to ensure high quality product from suppliers.
  • Store visits to spot check bulk.
• Commercial Awareness
  • Able to react quickly and solve potential problems.

Key Skills and Experience

• Essential
  • Detailed understanding of garment design and production.
  • Experience of working with a wide range of garment types, and in diverse manufacturing operations.
  • Excellent organisation and communication skills.
  • Confident in leading fit sessions, with good influencing ability.
  • Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment.
  • Passion for product.
  • Enjoys working in a team and self-motivated.
  • Able to manage priorities.
  • A positive influence.
  • Able to communicate across different teams and functions to achieve joined up delivery.
• Desirable
  • Significant global factory/supplier working experience and travel.
  • Multi product experience.

What we can offer you:

• Staff Discount
• Uniform allowance
• Pension scheme
• Refer a Friend scheme
• Training and career development
• Supportive and rewarding culture