At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead garment technology, ensuring fit, quality, and sustainability across all products.
- Company: The Fold London, a luxury womenswear brand focused on empowering professional women.
- Benefits: 33 days holiday, pension scheme, employee discounts, and social events.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a growing brand and make a real impact in the fashion industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in garment technology and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Department
- Product
- Reporting to : Product Director
Direct Reports
Senior Garment Tech & Junior Garment Tech
Contract type
Permanent, 40 hours per week
Location
Head office in Bermondsey .
Hybrid working- 4 days per week in the office
About the Fold
The Fold London is an award winning British luxury womenswear brand built on a singular, powerful idea: that the women who run boardrooms, lead teams and shape the world deserve clothes as ambitious as they are.
Founded with a clear mission to dress professional women with intention, The Fold has built a loyal global community of customers who value craft, quality, and considered design over fast fashion.
With a multichannel presence - led by ecommerce and supported by our two London stores in Chelsea and the City – The Fold has built a loyal and growing customer base across the UK, US and internationally.
As we enter the next stage of growth, we are investing heavily in our international expansion, commercial capability, systems, customer insight and operational infrastructure.
This role is a key part of that journey.
Role Overview
The Head of Garment Technology is the guardian of product integrity. Our customer buys us for fit, cut and longevity, making technical excellence central to the brand proposition.
You will lead fit, sizing, construction, quality, technical compliance and ESG across all categories and routes to market.
From block development and prototype approval through to bulk delivery, you will set and embed technical standards, ensuring consistency across both internal teams and suppliers.
As the most senior technical voice in the business, you will lead and develop the Garment Technology team while influencing product, sourcing and buying decisions as we continue to grow internationally.
Key Responsibilities
- Fit, Sizing & Technical Standards
- Own The Fold's fit identity, including block libraries, grade rules, size charts and construction standards
- Lead fit sessions across all categories and make final fit decisions where required
- Maintain technical standards, manuals and specifications across the business
- Define and own international sizing strategy and grading
- Act as the technical authority on garment construction, fabric performance and manufacturing feasibility
- Product Quality & Returns Performance
- Own fit approval, sealing, inspection and AQL standards from prototype to bulk production
- Analyse returns and customer feedback, identifying root causes and driving improvements
- Deliver returns reduction initiatives in partnership with Buying and Merchandising
- Own testing programmes, performance standards, care instruction accuracy and product risk assessment
- Partner with E-commerce to improve fit guidance and product information
- Ensure all products meet quality, sustainability and brand standards
- Supplier & Factory Management
- Lead technical onboarding and assessment of suppliers
- Build strong relationships with supplier technical teams to resolve issues quickly and effectively
- Drive first-time-right approvals, reducing fit rounds, development time and cost
- Support sourcing decisions through supplier capability assessment
- Ensure suppliers receive clear technical standards, specifications and fit feedback.
- Critical Path & Process Ownership
- Own technical milestones across the critical path, working closely with Design, Buying and Production
- Plan technical workflow around seasonal calendars and factory shutdowns
- Drive process improvements that increase speed and accuracy
- Establish technical KPIs and reporting frameworks
- Ensure robust PLM discipline and technical record keeping
- Compliance, ESG & Supply Chain
- Ensure compliance with UK, EU and US product, labelling and safety requirements
- Monitor emerging legislation and develop readiness plans for future compliance requirements
- Build and maintain product data and traceability processes
- Own social compliance across the factory base, including audits and corrective action plans
- Lead supplier onboarding from an ethical, social and technical perspective
- Maintain supply chain transparency and oversight
- Lead ESG strategy, sustainability roadmaps and reporting
- Ensure sustainability and ethical claims are fully substantiated
- Report compliance and ESG performance to the leadership team
- Budget & Resource Ownership
- Manage departmental, testing, sampling and compliance budgets
- Control quality-related costs, including supplier claims and rework
- Build business cases for technical investment and supplier development
- Partner with Finance and Merchandising to ensure technical costs are reflected in commercial decisions
- Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead, develop and mentor the Garment Technology team
- Foster a high-performing culture built on accountability and excellence
- Partner closely with Design, Buying, Merchandising, Production and E-commerce
- Present technical strategy, risks and performance to senior leadership
- Balance priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment
About You
- Head of Technical, Technical Manager or Senior Garment Technologist experience within premium or luxury womenswear
- Expert knowledge of garment construction, pattern cutting, grading, tailoring and fabric behaviour
- Proven experience managing offshore suppliers, quality standards, audits and traceability
- Strong understanding of testing, AQL, risk assessment and product compliance.
- Experience leading ESG or sustainability initiatives within a product or supply chain function
- Proven track record of building and developing high-performing teams
- Experience managing departmental budgets and forecasting spend
Skills & Attributes
- Commercially minded with strong analytical capability
- Exceptional eye for fit, quality and finish
- Clear, decisive and confident communicator.
- Solutions-focused, resilient and able to perform under pressure
- Collaborative relationship builder with a willingness to travel internationally as required
Benefits & Perks
• 33 days holiday (25 days + bank holidays) + option to buy more!
- Pension scheme & Salary sacrifice options
- Financial wellbeing platform
- £1,250 annual The Fold gift voucher
- Bike to work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced maternity pay
- Friends & family discount – enjoy 50% off
- Monthly social events, plus summer & Christmas parties
- Summer Fridays
- Fully stocked snack cupboards, fresh fruit, plus great coffee & tea
- Why The Fold
- A brand with a clear point of view and a fiercely loyal customer base — you will be selling something you can believe in
- Opportunity to play a highly visible role in a growing premium fashion brand
- Direct exposure to the leadership team and key strategic initiatives
- Broad and genuinely commercial remit with real influence on business performance
- Opportunity to help shape the next stage of international and operational growth
- Entrepreneurial environment with high levels of ownership and autonomy
- Collaborative culture with ambitious plans for the future
- Recent investment from a new owner. The brand is at a new chapter of growth across both existing and new channels, and operates internationally.
- Diversity and Inclusion
We promote a diverse and inclusive workplace which harnesses the benefits of the diversity of our team and strives to represent the communities in which we live and work.
Our vision is to establish an environment that attracts individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and talents, empowering them to contribute their best and authentic selves.
We welcome and encourage applications from those who share our commitment to fostering this inclusive and authentic work culture.
Head of Garment Technology in Slough employer: The Fold London
The Fold London is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative work culture, allowing employees to thrive in a hybrid working environment. With a strong emphasis on professional growth and development, the company provides ample opportunities for career advancement while ensuring a supportive atmosphere for managing logistics and operations effectively across the global supply chain.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Garment Technology in Slough
✨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 The Fold London!
✨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 The Fold London.
✨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 The Fold London.
✨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 The Fold London!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Garment Technology in Slough
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 The Fold London.
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 The Fold London!
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 The Fold London. 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 The Fold London
✨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!
