Garment Technologist & Product Developer Halesowen, England
Job description
Position Available: Immediately
Job description:
Feridax (1957) Ltd is the UKs largest wholesale distributor of motorcycle and cycle clothing and accessories. Our in-house brand, Spada, has been going since 1994. All research and development is carried out from our headquarters in Halesowen. Spada is a well know brand in the motorcycle industry; following the success of the brand we have recently branched out into the development of mountain bike (MTB) clothing.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Garment Technologist to be a key player within our Product & Design team. This is a thrilling time to join the Spada brand on our journey into new markets, with the opportunity to become part of a vibrant team, offering scope for development of yourself and your role.
As the Garment Technologist, you will be reporting to Spada’s Product Development & Design Manager and will hold responsibility for the end-to-end quality, fit and construction of Spada garments, accessories, and footwear. You will be tasked with helping to develop the Spada brand to be the go-to motorcycle and MTB apparel company by creating world beating quality within every garment that we release.
Key responsibilities:
- Sample processing: including garment measuring, assessment and compiling technical reports
- Sample management
- Tech pack creation
- Collating & confirming bill of materials for each garment
- Fit session management
- Manage the day-to-day communications with factories on product development
- Working with our Technical Product Advisor, manage the fabric and product testing function, ensuring all required compliance is in place, including CE and all regional, national & international laws in all countries we export and sell our products
- Ensuring all CE manuals are up to date
- Product cost engineering
- Work with the Purchasing Department to manage the critical path
- Ensure suppliers have all packaging artworks and instructions once PO’s have been placed
- Help with production knowledge sharing and providing cross-function communication to marketing and customer services
- Assisting the marketing teams on photoshoots
- Work with the QC team to trouble-shoot, problem solve and identify the correct action- plans
- Manage Supplier assessments and development plans
- Sizing & grading research and analysis
- Block development
- Researching new fabrics and construction techniques
- Product research and creating comparison reports
- Presenting to stakeholders and taking meeting minutes
- Create and manage an approved and passed fabric library
- Review and improve processes and operations
Key Skills
- 5 years+ experience as a Garment Technologist within a large apparel brand
- Extensive practical experience of product construction, fit development, fabrications, production processes and minimum make standards
- Show passion for the product through a proactive and motivated approach to your work
- Proven fabric/textile testing management
- Experience of working with international suppliers
- Have excellent relationship and communication management skills
- Can diversify experience to benefit a small team, whilst being hands on and championing positive change
- Experienced in a broad range of product types across both mens and womenswear including outerwear. Additional experience with technical products such as motorcycle PPE/MTB/Cycling, would be highly advantageous
- Flexible, willing to learn and keep up to date with the latest developments in technology
- Have excellent time management skills and ability to prioritise
- Excellent work ethic, highly organized
- Adobe Illustrator skills would be advantageous
Desirable Qualifications and Experience:
- BA or equivalent qualification in a clothing related subject
- Expert level experience as a Garment Technologist in clothing/apparel
- Good knowledge of fabrics, technical components and sewing techniques
- An understanding of complex garment construction and manufacture
- Adobe Illustrator skills would be advantageous
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel
- Experience in MTB or motorcycle PPE
- Interest in action sports
- The desire to take a brand to new heights with innovative ideas
There may be a requirement for international travel to carry out business with existing and prospective suppliers.
Benefits:
- 20 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (pro-rata), increasing by one day per year of service up to 5 years
- Healthshield cash plan and Perks discount scheme
- Pension and Life Assurance
- Free on-site parking
- Staff discount
- Annual Christmas party (pandemic permitting)
Hours:
- 8:45am – 5pm, Monday – Friday
Location
- Feridax (1957) Ltd, Park Lane, Halesowen, West Midlands, B63 2NT
To apply, please send a CV and covering letter to [email protected]
If you are interested in applying for a role, please send your cv with a cover letter to [email protected] – please include the job title in the subject header.
