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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in managing Technical and Ethical Trade initiatives in fashion.
- Company: Fast-paced commercial fashion brand with a focus on innovation and ethics.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, wellness support, gym access, and generous employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fashion while promoting ethical practices globally.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in apparel Technical roles and strong leadership experience required.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
This hybrid role requires an experienced Technical leader with strong Ethical Trade knowledge, capable of managing a medium‑sized team within a fast‑paced commercial fashion environment. The successful candidate will balance strategic Technical and Ethical initiatives with the efficient day‑to‑day running of the department. You will lead Technical delivery across womenswear and menswear while overseeing Ethical Trade activity across the supply base, ensuring responsible working practices and supporting informed commercial decision‑making. Speed, accuracy and sound judgement are essential, alongside the ability to influence Buying, Design, Production and external suppliers across global regions.
Technical Leadership & Operations
- Manage the day‑to‑day running of the Technical department across womenswear and menswear apparel.
- Lead, coach, train and develop a team of Technologists and Ethical Assistants.
- Manage departmental budgets, including models and travel.
- Maintain and drive department standards, processes and ways of working.
- Ensure garments meet customer expectations for fit, performance and quality.
- Own and manage allocated product classes.
- Support sourcing initiatives by providing Technical and Ethical insight.
- Act as a Technical expert for the wider business, resolving complex product and manufacturing issues.
- Make timely, balanced and commercially sound Technical decisions.
- Analyse quality performance, including product returns and improvement opportunities.
- Drive departmental strategy as set by the Head of Technical.
- Lead and deliver Technical and cross‑functional projects in line with business priorities.
Ethical Trade Management
- Manage and embed the Ethical Trade approach across the vendor base.
- Maintain oversight of Ethical standards and working practices within factories.
- Manage day‑to‑day Ethical trade activity, including vendor engagement and issue resolution.
- Support the delivery and follow‑up of Ethical audits by partnering with vendors.
- Work with Buying and Sourcing teams to flag Ethical risks and support informed sourcing decisions.
- Build strong vendor relationships to encourage transparency and continuous improvement.
- Act as the point of contact for Ethical Trade queries within the business.
- Produce clear Ethical Trade updates and summaries for internal stakeholders.
- Balance Ethical considerations with commercial timelines and business needs.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 10 years' experience in apparel Technical roles.
- Proven experience managing and developing a medium‑sized team.
- Strong leadership skills with the autonomy to manage self and others.
- Experience working within a fast‑fashion or high‑volume commercial environment (essential).
- Confident decision‑maker with a flexible and practical approach.
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence cross‑functional teams.
- Strong Technical knowledge of pattern cutting, garment construction and fit; fabric performance and manufacturing techniques; technical drawings, specifications and measurement.
- Experience across multiple product categories and manufacturing models.
- Ability to build effective internal and external relationships.
- Hands‑on experience managing Ethical Trade or social standards within a fashion supply chain.
- Strong understanding of factory environments and labour standards.
- Experience working with Ethical audits and improvement programmes.
- Ability to identify Ethical risks and manage them within a commercial context.
- Experience working with global vendors across multiple regions.
- Strong organisation, communication and problem‑solving skills.
Benefits
- Work‑life balance: flexible start and finish times; bring your dog to work.
- Wellbeing: Employees Assistance program to support mental, physical and financial health; fully equipped free gym and on‑site wellness room in Brick Lane and 50% discount of external gym memberships; private medical insurance.
- Employee Discount: up to 40% off at all URBN Brands.
- Community: one paid day to either volunteer or fundraise for a charity of your choice.
- Travel: cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan.
- Continued Development: structured support within the business alongside continued learning and development.
Technical leader in London employer: Urban Outfitters, Inc.
Contact Detail:
Urban Outfitters, Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical leader in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fashion industry, especially those who are already in technical roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your past projects and achievements in Technical leadership and Ethical Trade. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Ace the interview! Research common interview questions for Technical leaders and practice your responses. Be ready to discuss how you've managed teams and tackled Ethical Trade challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly, ensuring it gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining a team that values your skills and experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical leader in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your Technical leadership experience and any Ethical Trade knowledge you have, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've managed teams and driven Technical initiatives in fast-paced environments, just like we need.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be influencing various teams, it's important to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to show us you can convey complex ideas effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, your application will go straight to us, and we can review it promptly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Urban Outfitters, Inc.
✨Know Your Ethical Trade Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Ethical Trade knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've managed ethical standards in previous roles and how you can apply that experience to the company's vendor base.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and developed teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a difference, especially in fast-paced environments like fashion.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Be prepared to talk about your technical knowledge in garment construction, fit, and fabric performance. Bring along examples of technical challenges you've faced and how you resolved them, as this will show your problem-solving skills.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since you'll need to influence cross-functional teams, think about how you can convey complex ideas simply and effectively during the interview.