Manufacturing Technologist in King's Lynn, Norfolk

Fairfax & Favor have an exciting opportunity for an Apparel Fit Technologist to join our in-house Product Development team at our Norfolk Countryside office. Working closely with the Product Development, Design, and Quality Assurance Teams, this role will focus on apparel quality, fit, product approval and supplier management.

The ideal candidate will have garment fitting and pattern-cutting experience, multi-category apparel experience including knitwear, and an understanding of the luxury fashion market and premium product standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Materials & Product Construction: Provide technical expertise on materials and garment construction; ensure products meet industry sizing, safety, and legal standards; advise designers and suppliers throughout product development; maintain accurate technical documentation and specifications; ensure consistency and attention to detail across all product areas.
• Size & Fit: Lead garment fitting sessions throughout development stages; ensure consistency in fit, grading, and sizing across all products; work closely with Design and PD teams to translate concepts into commercial products; manage fit approvals through to final Gold Seal sample stages; conduct product reviews, audits, and bulk measurement checks; collaborate with the Quality Assurance teams on quality standards; monitor competitor and market sizing benchmarks; support customer queries relating to fit and sizing information.
• Standards & Regulations: Ensure products comply with global testing and legal requirements; liaise with external testing labs and suppliers; review and approve labelling, artwork, copy and packaging; maintain compliance documentation and testing records; support sustainability and commercial product claims.
• Tracking & Administration: Maintain organised fit and approval documentation; manage reporting and product tracking systems; demonstrate strong prioritisation and communication skills within your work; work collaboratively with internal teams and suppliers.
• Product Development: Work alongside Design, PD, and Merchandising teams to meet critical path deadlines; ensure sample approvals remain on track; balance quality, compliance, and cost considerations; support target buying margins and commercial objectives.
• Product Approval - Quality, Finesse & Brand Aesthetic: Maintain luxury quality standards and brand consistency; ensure product fit, finish, and aesthetics align with brand ethos; challenge off-brand products and support innovation; translate trends into commercially relevant product solutions.
• Logistic & Packing: Understand packaging and transit requirements to maintain product quality; support import, sampling, and duty classification processes; collaborate with Warehouse teams to drive continuous improvement; use returns data to identify product and process improvements.
• Product Resolution - Supplier claims & Critical Complaints: Manage damages goods, manufacturing faults and transit claims; raise and process DNAS accurately; investigate supplier issues and implement corrective action plans; respond quickly to critical customer complaints; manage Gold Seal rejection investigations and resolutions.
• Sourcing & Supplier Management: Identify and minimise sourcing risks; understand country of origin considerations and supplier specialisms; support supplier onboarding and factory quality standards; assess supplier strengths, weaknesses, and production capabilities; demonstrate understanding of ISO9001 quality management principles.
• Critical Path Management: Monitor and manage critical path timelines; identify risks and recommend solutions to maintain launch dates; ensure late deliveries are communicated effectively; work with Merchandising and Design teams to meet deadlines; ensure shipping and approval documentation is completed accurately.
• Systems & Reporting: Strong Microsoft Office Skills, including V-lookups; confident using internal systems and reporting tools; support system improvements and development initiatives; analyse returns and product performance data.

Skills & Experience:

• Experience within apparel QA, garment technology or product development.
• Strong garment fitting and grading knowledge.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Strong supplier management and communication skills.
• Experience working within a luxury or premium fashion environment.
• Ability to manage multiple product categories and deadlines simultaneously.

Further Information:

• Hours: Full Time - Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 17:00.
• Location: Narford, Norfolk, PE32 1JA.
• Travel may be required within the UK and overseas with overnight stays also being a requirement.
• Ability to work from home 1-2 days per week, at the manager's complete discretion, depending on workload (this is not a contractual guarantee).
• Smart/Casual Dress.
• Access to our seconds website at a maximum of 70% off RRP upon successful onboarding.
• Access to our 50% off discount on firsts items upon successful 6-month probationary period.
• Holiday: 20 days FTE + the 8 Standard Bank Holidays + 1 Extra Day per January - December calendar year worked, capped at 5 days.
• Internal staff events.
• Applicants to be over 18 years of age.