Garment Technologist

Established in 1952 and online since 1999, Childrensalon is a fast-growing, award-winning, forward-thinking retailer, specialising in dressing children beautifully.  
Childrensalon believes there is beauty in diversity and difference, as resembled by our wonderful team. Our vision of being the most inclusive, diverse and humane company is very important to us as is our culture of fairness, openness and transparency. We are committed to the career progression and advancement of every team member as well as welcoming the best external talent in the industry. We offer a fun, challenging, collaborative, family-oriented work environment in our fast-paced and rapidly growing business and in turn will provide you with the opportunity to grow your career and make a difference.
 

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated freelancer to support the buying and design team through all stages of product development, from design to manufacture. Childrenswear experience is preferred. Within the role you will carry out a range of technical, investigative, and quality control work to ensure the end-product performs to specification. You will work closely with the in-house designers, buyers, the supplier’s graders and pattern cutters.

Responsibilities:

• Liaising with designers, and adapting designs to suit production methods
• Making and sizing pre-production garment specs
• Undertaking quality evaluations of materials and checking the quality of the final product
• Responding to product queries, including complaints/issues from customers via customer service
• Making sure garments can be produced within budget
• Overseeing fabric testing and fittings of first samples
• Liaising with overseas factories daily
• Critical path management
• Chasing samples and sending concise comments to factories
• Creating & maintaining detailed techpacks/style sheets for a style once booked
• Fitting garments until they are sealed, passing on accurate information to pattern cutters and factories accordingly
• Creating graded specs.
• Risk assessing products in terms of safety, and with an eye on international regulations as well as British standards
• Measuring and fitting all samples during the development process in collaboration with designer and product developer
• Updating product packages with comprehensive fit comments and sample feedback, providing technical instructions to the suppliers
• Attending overseas trips when required (visiting manufacturers)

Skills:

• Good understanding of manufacturing and textiles
• Strong technical knowledge of garments fitting, grading and construction
• Ability to work alone as well as in a team
• Be able to work under tight deadlines and cope with pressure
• Have a keen interest in fashion and textiles
• Demonstrate an understanding of pattern cutting, construction and manufacturing techniques.
• Technical knowledge gained preferably within fast paced commercial or supplier environment.
• Flexible approach to be able to adjust to the constantly changing needs of the business.
• Ability to convey technical information clearly in clear easy to understand terms.
• Exceptional eye for technical detail to consistently ensure the correct documentation is used and followed.
• Applied technical knowledge of fabrics and threads
• Highly organised with good prioritisation skills.
• Confident and clear communication skills; both verbal and written to work productively alongside other product teams and external suppliers
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a similar role
• The ability to effectively communicate across internal departments and external sources
• Knowledge of fabric, lab testing and assessment of results
• Ability to work in structured and timely manner under pressure within a team environment
• Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook. (Knowledge of Adobe Illustrator would be useful)

This role is based at our Head Office in Tunbridge Wells, however, due to the current Coronavirus pandemic will require flexibility and some working from home. Childrensalon offers a highly competitive salary, company pension plan, health plan, fully subsidised gym membership, in-house yoga classes, company shuttle, generous holiday allowance and company discount.

If you are interested and think you would thrive in this role, please apply to careers@childrensalon.com with your CV and covering letter about why you would like to work for us. Previous applicants need not apply.