Knitwear Technologist

We are seeking an experienced Knitwear Product Technologist for a group of leading Brands. The ideal candidate will be self-sufficient, confident in managing their product categories, and have experience in manufacturing high-quality garments across the Far East, Europe, and the UK. Strong relationship-building skills with suppliers are essential, as is the ability to work effectively within a business-critical Buying and Warehouse team. The role requires someone who can operate at a detailed, operational level while maintaining a broader, strategic perspective as the guardian of quality and standards within their clothing category. The candidate should ideally have a background in Knitwear, with multi-product experience, preferably in Women’s Wear, and a genuine interest in sustainability within fashion. The role reports into the Technical Manager.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Technical Product Lifecycle Management: Collaborate with Buyers and Designers to interpret product sketches and develop a comprehensive, graded technical file for garment production.
• Technical Support: Provide clear recommendations on materials, components, manufacturing methods, suppliers, and customer service to ensure product quality is consistently maintained according to the critical path.
• Product Composition and Costing: Understand product costs and composition, advising on specifications. Where applicable, suggest re-engineering or amendments to achieve price and margin goals without compromising on quality.
• Sustainability Knowledge: Maintain an awareness of the sustainable and natural yarn and fabric markets.
• Product Enthusiasm: Demonstrate a passion for the collections, contributing to the overall success of product development.
• Fit Sessions: Lead fit sessions, providing detailed, accurate comments that are clear for factories. Address any concerns raised by suppliers.
• Garment Construction Expertise: Possess in-depth knowledge of garment construction and confidently liaise with overseas garment supplier technicians when needed.
• Test Report Analysis: Review yarn and fabric base test reports, approve them, and maintain a log system for the team.
• AQL Process: Oversee the AQL process at the supplier side and resolve any QC issues that arise.
• Seasonal Fit Reviews: Lead seasonal product fit reviews, analysing competitor fit and quality standards, as well as sales and returns data.
• Return Rate Reporting: Track seasonal return rates, providing clear reason codes and recommendations for reducing returns in future developments.
• Photography Coordination: Ensure the quality of photographic reproduction for catalogues and product offerings accurately reflects the product.
• Brand Consistency: Collaborate with other technologists to maintain brand consistency in fit and quality across all products.
• Packaging Quality: Identify and address any product or packaging quality issues, such as introducing biodegradable bags.
• Warehouse Relations: Foster strong relationships with the onsite warehouse team, supporting DC tech on final shipment samples and intake inspection feedback.
• Supplier Compliance: Ensure that supplier manual requirements are adhered to and support technical and ethical compliance at the factory level.
• Technical Tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel.

Personality

We are looking for a proactive, confident, and experienced self-starter with boundless energy and initiative. The ideal candidate should be able to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining strong interpersonal and communication skills. They should be comfortable working within a high-performing team and interacting with Buying, Merchandising, Customer Services, and the Warehouse teams. The candidate must possess strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities and be capable of effectively managing priorities in a fast-paced environment. A high degree of attention to detail, organisation, and a positive, can-do attitude are essential, along with the ability to uphold product quality standards. This individual should be confident in holding themselves accountable for product quality and be willing to propose and implement improvements to product, quality, returns, and team effectiveness. The candidate should be personable and articulate, able to represent the company with integrity when dealing with third parties or suppliers.

Team

We are looking for someone who thrives in an office environment. The team is focused on success, growth, and above all, ethical fashion. The culture encourages problem-solving, collaboration and a strong drive to achieve. If you would like to join a team focused on success, growth, and ethical fashion please get in touch!