At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development and ensure quality standards are met in a dynamic fashion environment.
- Company: Join River Island, a beloved brand with a vibrant team culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% staff discount, free gym access, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and personal development await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on fashion while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in garment technology and a passion for fashion is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 € per year.
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:- May be required to manage a junior member of the team – eg junior technologist / student. Includes mentoring, setting objectives to be achieved and ensure they are being worked towards; providing timely feedback and support to enable that person to work to the best of their ability.
- 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.
- 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.
This role is based at our Head Office in West London.
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 your 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 is a given, 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.
Garment Technologist in London employer: River Island
River Island is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture at our Head Office in West London where creativity and collaboration thrive. With generous benefits including a 50% staff discount, flexible working options, and a commitment to employee growth through training and progression opportunities, we empower our Islanders to excel in their careers while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Garment Technologist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already working at River Island. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research River Island’s values and recent collections. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the brand culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a mate to do mock interviews with you. This will help you articulate your experience and skills confidently, making you more appealing to the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the River Island family.
We think you need these skills to ace Garment Technologist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Garment Technologist role. Highlight your experience in fit, quality, and compliance, and don’t forget to mention any supplier management experience you have. We want to see how your skills align with our brand values!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the River Island brand and how your background makes you a perfect fit for the team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge:In your application, be sure to showcase your understanding of sizing, pattern making, and grading. Mention any relevant knowledge of fabrics and materials, as well as your experience with testing and compliance. This will help us see you as a knowledgeable resource for our teams!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the River Island family!
How to prepare for a job interview at River Island
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of garment technology, including sizing, pattern making, and grading. Familiarise yourself with River Island's brand values and how they align with product quality and fit. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand what it takes to succeed in it.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous roles where you've successfully managed supplier relationships or led technical approval processes. Highlight any instances where you've improved product quality or compliance, as this will demonstrate your ability to contribute to River Island's goals.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, and how they measure success. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and eager to understand how you can make a positive impact within the company.
✨Be a Team Player
Since collaboration is key in this role, be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively with cross-functional teams in the past. Share examples of mentoring junior team members or collaborating with designers and buyers to achieve common goals, as this aligns perfectly with the expectations for the Garment Technologist position.
