At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovation and sustainability in cashmere yarn production while overseeing product development and quality systems.
- Company: Join Todd & Duncan, a historic Scottish yarn spinner trusted by fashion houses since 1867.
- Benefits: Be part of an iconic brand with a commitment to excellence and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in luxury textile manufacturing and champion change in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in textiles or related field, with senior management experience in technical textiles.
- Other info: Opportunity to join the Executive Leadership team and drive global performance.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Established 1867, Todd & Duncan has earned the trust of fashion houses and knitwear manufacturers for generations, producing cashmere and lamb’s wool yarns coloured, spun and crafted in Scotland. Combining traditional methods with a modern approach, all Todd & Duncan yarn is produced at its Loch Leven mill in Scotland, using methods that are true to the ways of the past. With a story that starts at the heart of the Scottish industrial era in Alva, it is now the only Scottish yarn spinner offering cashmere yarn to fashion houses and premium manufacturers worldwide.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a highly skilled Technical & Planning Director to lead innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence within our cashmere yarn business. This pivotal role will oversee product development, quality systems, dyeing chemistry, and long-term planning to ensure our brand remains at the forefront of luxury textile manufacturing in Scotland. The Technical & Planning Director will report to the Managing Director and will be supported by a team in the UK. We are looking for candidates with experience in all aspects of the technical process who can champion change and innovation across the business.
Role responsibilities
- Drive innovation in yarn design, blends, and finishes to meet evolving market demands
- Collaborate with design and commercial teams to translate customer needs into technical solutions
- Lead R&D initiatives to support new product development
- Develop and implement strategies to reduce environmental impact across sourcing, production and dyeing
- Champion sustainability initiatives across the business and ensure compliance with sustainability standards and certifications
- Lead technical development in the dyeing process
Candidate requirements
The successful candidate will possess most of the following:
- A relevant degree in textiles, engineering, chemistry or a related field
- Experience of operating in a senior management role within a technical textiles environment, ideally with an understanding of yarn production processes
- Expertise in dyeing, fibre technology and sustainable production methods
- Excellent project management skills
- Inclusive and collaborative style – able to work in matrix organisations, connecting people and best practices.
This is a key role in the Executive Leadership team and represents an opportunity to join an iconic Scottish company with proud provenance and to positively impact its global performance. Candidates will be based out of the Kinross facility.
Technical and Planning Director in Kinross employer: UK Agri-Tech Centre
Contact Detail:
UK Agri-Tech Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical and Planning Director in Kinross
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Todd & Duncan and understanding their values. We want to see how your experience aligns with their commitment to innovation and sustainability. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in technical textiles and project management can drive change at Todd & Duncan. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of the mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical and Planning Director in Kinross
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Technical & Planning Director role. Highlight your experience in yarn production processes and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in innovation and sustainability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for Todd & Duncan. Share your passion for textiles and how your background aligns with our commitment to quality and sustainability in cashmere yarn production.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As this role is pivotal, we want to see examples of your leadership in action. Discuss your experience in managing teams and driving change within a technical textiles environment to demonstrate your capability.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Agri-Tech Centre
✨Know Your Yarn
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of yarn production processes, especially cashmere and lamb’s wool. Familiarise yourself with Todd & Duncan's history and their unique approach to blending traditional methods with modern techniques. This will show your genuine interest in the company and its products.
✨Showcase Your Innovation Skills
Prepare examples of how you've driven innovation in previous roles, particularly in technical textiles or yarn design. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you led R&D initiatives or implemented sustainable practices. This will demonstrate your ability to champion change and align with the company's focus on innovation.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since the role requires collaboration with design and commercial teams, think of instances where you've successfully worked in a matrix organisation. Highlight your inclusive and collaborative style, and be prepared to discuss how you connect people and best practices to achieve common goals.
✨Sustainability Matters
Given the emphasis on sustainability in this role, come equipped with insights on current trends and standards in sustainable textile production. Discuss any relevant experience you have in reducing environmental impact and how you can contribute to Todd & Duncan's sustainability initiatives.