At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the technical approval process and ensure product quality for children's garments.
- Company: Join River Island, a beloved brand with a bright future and a diverse team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% staff discount, flexible working, and a free onsite gym.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's fashion while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in garment technology and a passion for fit and quality is essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Description
The Garment / Product Tech department at River Island supports the Buying and Design teams to ensure product fit and quality is in line with our brand strategy and values and is compliant in all markets/ channels in which we trade.
This is achieved through strong Buying team, Design team and Supplier relations.
A strong commercial awareness and application is essential.
The Technologist is recognised by peers, buying and design teams and suppliers as a knowledgeable Technical resource who leads the achievement of established standards of fit, quality and performance for the department/s, in line with the critical path and brand priorities; is responsible for ensuring the product is fit for purpose and aligned with brand objectives.
Key Accountabilities
- Leads the technical approval process on their department/s - and is the ‘go to’ person for all matters relating to 'Technical’.
- Identifies opportunities or risk which may lead to cross functional collaboration/ initiatives.
- Works with suppliers and buying teams to establish opportunities for improvements.
- Leads the product development and approval process of the department to ensure delivery is compliant to all RI standards (fit, quality, performance and compliance) including those of wholesale partners and all markets in which River Island has a presence.
- Responsible for ensuring River Island ways of working are followed by buyers, designers and suppliers for all technical processes, in order to achieve KPI’s of efficiency, consistency and ‘right first time’
- Responsible for risk assessment of both production and safety (prior to production) and collaborates with supplier and buyer to minimise risk and ensure compliance.
- Responsible for approval of test reports and Certificates of Compliance in line with our standards and requirements; manages failures in line with commercial limits and standards.
- Develops blocks and key shapes in collaboration with Buyer / Designer relevant to department and season; ensures distribution to and understanding of all relevant stakeholders (including Designers, Suppliers and Home Production)
- Contributes to the development and maintenance of the relevant grading tables for the department.
- Regularly reviews quality and fit of delivered product through store visits, wearer trials; ‘Fit squads’, benchmarking exercises and ongoing analysis of customer returns information; feedback/ challenge suppliers where necessary to ensure standards are maintained or exceeded and fit remains consistent and relevant.
Recommends appropriate actions to buying team where relevant.
- Maintain a knowledge of current and changing global legislation – and ensure compliance at product level.
- Contribute to setting, reviewing and communicating standards and manuals in collaboration with other River Island Technical/ Compliance.
- Regular communication with suppliers to encourage understanding of and commitment to River Island ways of working as well as achievement of fit and quality standards.
- Conduct regular reviews of supplier performance according to agreed KPI’s and support suppliers to improve.
- Feeds Into the dept supplier strategy – highlighting technical strengths and risks of key suppliers
- Develop and empower suppliers to take accountability for management of RI processes
- Sustainability – support the Sustainability team in achieving their objectives
- Ethical - Support the ethical team in achieving their objectives.
Key experience required
- Previous experience as a Technologist in a Retail or Manufacturing Technical environment is required.
- Good understanding of sizing, pattern making and grading
- Good relevant knowledge of fabric/materials/ components
- Previous experience demonstrating a good knowledge and understanding (relevant to product area) of fit, manufacture, testing, compliance/ legislation and other technical aspects relevant to the product area
- Good experience of working across multiple sourcing locations
- Supplier management experience
- Strong interest in product and the River Island brand is essential.
About Us
We’re a much-loved brand with an exciting future.
Our Islanders are a diverse bunch of bright, talented people who love working together – and are proud of the work they do.
Progression here can take you in all kinds of directions.
This is what a career at River Island is like.
And this is where yours starts.
This role is based at our Head Office in West London. Check us out here on a map.
What we can offer you
- Generous 50% staff discount so you can treat yourself to the latest products, and a bargain staff shop on site!
- Reducing Islanders everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more through the Retail Trust.
- A free onsite gym, subsidised restaurant & café to fill you needs. Various social events to socialise throughout the year.
- Every family is unique, we support Islanders with all different family setups enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption & fertility treatment.
We also work closely with the Retail Trust to create dedicated support for all our Islanders!
- Flexible working, on top of payday and summer early finish Fridays.
- Give as you earn scheme, a ‘Giver Island’ day each year and receive matched funding.
- Support with upskilling through on the job training and qualifications. A succession plan if you want to progress.
- A generous bonus scheme & private pension plan.
- 25 days paid holiday, exclusive of Bank Holidays. With the added option to purchase additional holiday twice a year for whatever the need!
- Keeping You Safe
At River Island we are committed to the safeguarding of all of our employees regardless of age or job role.
We will fulfil our obligation under the Prevent duty which seeks to stop extremism and extremist views from materialising in our business.
We promote and encourage the belief in British Values- including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.
To find out more, please visit www. gov. uk.
Our Island is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger.
We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.
We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.
To find out more about this interview process, check out our hiring process below.
Department
Garment Tech
Location
- Head Office, Chelsea House
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Junior Garment Technologist, Childrenswear Multi Product employer: River Island
RIVER ISLAND is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and teamwork in the heart of Belfast. With opportunities for personal growth and a generous 50% staff discount, employees are encouraged to thrive in a dynamic retail environment while making a meaningful impact on customer service and store operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Garment Technologist, Childrenswear Multi Product
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like River Island!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including River Island.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for River Island.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at River Island!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Garment Technologist, Childrenswear Multi Product
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at River Island.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to River Island!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at River Island. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at River Island
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
