Garment Technologist
Location: Poole, Dorset
Contract: Fixed-Term Contract (6-Month Maternity Cover)
Reporting to: Production Manager
Our client is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Garment Technologist to join their team on a 6-month maternity cover contract.
This role is responsible for managing the technical development of garments from concept through to production, ensuring all products meet the highest standards of fit, quality, construction and performance. Working closely with Design, Merchandising and supplier partners, you will play a key role in delivering commercially successful products while maintaining brand and technical standards.
This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive and organised individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can effectively manage multiple priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the technical development process from initial sampling through to production approval.
- Review and provide technical comments on fit samples, pre-production samples and production samples.
- Conduct fit sessions, ensuring garments meet required fit and measurement specifications.
- Create and maintain detailed technical packs, specifications, size charts, construction details and grading requirements.
- Ensure all products meet quality, safety, compliance and performance standards.
- Liaise with suppliers and factories to resolve technical issues and ensure timely sample submissions and approvals.
- Partner closely with Design and Merchandising teams to achieve critical path deadlines and launch dates.
- Manage garment and fabric testing requirements, including performance, shrinkage, colourfastness and quality standards.
- Identify and resolve fit, construction and quality issues with practical and commercially viable solutions.
- Maintain accurate technical documentation, sample comments and approval records.
- Support quality control processes and investigate any production or post-delivery quality concerns.
- Monitor critical paths, highlighting and escalating any risks or delays.
Skills & Experience
- Previous experience as a Garment Technologist within fashion, apparel, retail or a related industry.
- Strong technical knowledge of garment construction, pattern development, fit, fabrics, and manufacturing processes.
- Experience conducting fit sessions and providing detailed technical feedback.
- Ability to create, interpret, and manage technical specifications and measurement charts.
- Knowledge of garment testing, quality assurance processes, and product compliance requirements.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple product categories and deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills with experience building relationships with suppliers, factories and internal stakeholders.
- Proactive and solutions-focused approach with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and quickly adapt to existing processes.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.