At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the technical development of knitwear and swimwear from sample to production approval.
- Company: Boden, a stylish and inclusive brand that values collaboration and fun.
- Benefits: Generous clothing allowance, 30% discount, 25 days holiday, and virtual GP service.
- Other info: Flexible working with 3-4 days in the office and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real impact in fashion innovation.
- Qualifications: Strong knitwear knowledge and experience as a Senior Garment Technologist.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Stylish, grounded, uplifting – these values live through everything we do at Boden.
Without the collaboration, honesty and friendship between our teams, we wouldn’t be where we are today.
We curate a world of beauty that’s ethical, inclusive – and importantly – good fun.
We inspire you to live your best life.
We are Boden.
Overview
We’re looking for a Senior Garment Technologist to lead knitwear and swimwear across Womenswear, Childrenswear and Baby, from first sample to sealed production approval.
You’ll combine expert knitwear knowledge with a sharp eye for fit and quality, leading your team and partnering with product teams and suppliers in creating brilliant product for our customers.
Location
3-4 days per week at our North Acton office, the rest WFH.
This is a
12 Month Maternity Cover role. Ideally looking for a February 2027 start date.
- How We Lead At Boden
- Being a manager at Boden is about giving people clarity, backing them properly, and helping them do their best work.
- You make things make sense. You take big ideas and turn them into clear priorities, so people know what they’re doing and (most importantly) why it matters.
- Your communication is clear and open – you listen and you don’t overcomplicate things.
- You take responsibility. When big decisions need to be made, you make them. When things change, you adapt. And when things don’t go to plan, you own it and move things forward.
- You stay close to what matters – our customer, our brand and our goals – using that to guide decisions and keep teams aligned.
- Most importantly, you build a team people actually want to be a part of – where people feel trusted, supported and able to grow.
What You Will Do
- Own the technical development of knitwear and swimwear from first sample to sealed approval.
- Lead fit sessions and give suppliers clear, commercially minded feedback.
- Assess yarns, gauges, stitch structures, trims and construction, flagging performance and compliance risks early.
- Keep approvals on track, escalating issues and recommending practical solutions.
- Approve specifications, measurements, graded size charts, construction details, care labels and test requirements.
- Partner with suppliers and factories to resolve fit, shrinkage, recovery, finishing and workmanship issues.
- Guide yarn and fabric development, balancing hand feel, durability and end use.
- Review testing, wearer trials, pre-production samples and AQL results, following up where standards fall short.
- Use returns and customer feedback to improve future product.
- Build effective relationships across Design, Buying, Merchandising, Product Development and our supplier base, sharing your expertise with the wider team.
- What We Are Looking For
- Strong hands-on knitwear understanding, with specialist knowledge of yarns, gauges, stitch structures, construction and finishing.
- Experience as a Senior Garment Technologist or skilled Garment Technologist, within Childrenswear or Womenswear (both is preferrable).
Knowledge within both knitwear and swimwear is a bonus.
- Proven success leading and developing a team, setting priorities, coaching colleagues and supporting their growth.
- A sound grasp of grading, testing, quality standards, compliance and production.
- Clear communication and the ability to influence suppliers and cross-functional partners.
- Commercial judgement and a practical approach to technical challenges.
- Brilliant organisation and the ability to juggle priorities without missing the detail.
- An independent, proactive approach and a generous team spirit.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; PLM or product-system experience is a bonus.
- Our Behaviours
- At Boden, how we work matters just as much as what we deliver.
- We keep things simple. We say what we mean, keep each other in the loop, and follow through on what we’ve said we’ll do.
- We care about doing a good job – and we care about each other.
- We’re always kind, often honest, and we will push for high standards without making it heavy.
- We know what we’re good at, we lean on each other when needed, and we show up as a team – taking ownership and getting things done together.
What We Offer
- Generous Boden clothing allowance
- 30% discount on all current clothing ranges
- 25 days holiday annual, plus Bank Holidays
- Online portal with an array of discounts on retail & entertainment
- Virtual GP Service for you and your household
- Free onsite parking and subsidised café
We want Boden to be the place everyone wants to work.
Friendly, open, understanding and supportive.
A best-of-British company with diverse teams, equal opportunities, and fair working and recruitment practices.
We believe in hiring the best person for the job whoever they are, helping them thrive in it and celebrating their individuality.
We would like to encourage people from a diverse range of backgrounds to apply for our roles.
If you need any reasonable adjustments or additional support during your application process, please do not hesitate to let us know.
Senior Garment technologist - Knitwear and Swimwear - 12 Month Maternity Cover in London employer: J P Boden & Co
At Boden, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values collaboration, honesty, and friendship. As a Wholesale Assistant Merchandiser, you'll enjoy competitive salaries, generous clothing allowances, and a supportive environment that encourages personal and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity, Boden is the ideal place for those looking to thrive in a meaningful and rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Garment technologist - Knitwear and Swimwear - 12 Month Maternity Cover in London
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Industry
For a temporary role in manufacturing, don’t shy away from physically visiting local factories and production sites. A friendly walk-in can often lead to spontaneous interviews or valuable connections, and can really help you get a sense of the workplace vibe.
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Windows
Manufacturing often sees spikes in hiring during particular seasons, like summer when production ramps up. Keep an eye on local job boards and community centres, or even visit seasonal job fairs—they’re golden for snagging those temporary roles we’re after.
✨Join Industry-Specific Communities
Consider joining online forums and social media groups specific to manufacturing. Sites like Reddit or even LinkedIn groups can give you insights into open positions and allow you to connect with current employees who might give you an edge in the hiring process.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Site!
With J P Boden & Co looking for temporary talent, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s often the fastest way to get your foot in the door, so make the most of it. Plus, it shows you're proactive—always a win!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Garment technologist - Knitwear and Swimwear - 12 Month Maternity Cover in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Practical Skills:In manufacturing and production, hands-on skills are key! Make sure your CV showcases any relevant experience with machinery, quality control, or assembly line work. If you’ve got certifications related to operating specific equipment, don’t forget to include those too!
Focus on Flexibility and Adaptability:For a temporary role, employers are looking for candidates who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work well under pressure. Share any experiences where you've successfully adjusted to changing circumstances or tight deadlines.
Include Specific Measurements of Your Impact:Manufacturing roles often revolve around efficiency and productivity. If you’ve previously worked in similar roles, be sure to quantify your achievements. For example, mention how you improved production rates or reduced waste – numbers stand out and show you mean business!
Express Your Interest in the Industry:Temporary roles can be a great stepping stone for future opportunities! Take a moment in your application to express why you’re interested in manufacturing and production. Showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make a real difference and may keep doors open for upcoming positions!
How to prepare for a job interview at J P Boden & Co
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
In the manufacturing and production world, they want to see that you can actually handle the tools and machines. Bring along any certifications you have or even pictures of projects you’ve worked on. We want to demonstrate that you're not just a theory person but someone who can jump right in.
✨Emphasise Safety Knowledge
Safety's a huge deal in manufacturing, so make sure you’re clued up about health and safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've followed safety protocols in past roles. It's all about showing you can contribute to a safe working environment at J P Boden & Co.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, highlight your adaptability and willingness to step into different roles as needed. Share examples of times you’ve adjusted quickly to new situations or tackled varied tasks. We want to show you're the go-to person when things get busy!
✨Ask About Team Dynamics
In any temporary role, fitting in quickly is vital. Ask about team dynamics and collaboration processes during the interview. This shows you’re not only ready to contribute but also keen to blend into J P Boden & Co’s culture, making you a valuable asset.
