Assistant Garment Technologist - Womenswear

We are currently recruiting for an Assistant Garment Technologist to join our Womenswear
Technical Team. This role is essential to help achieve the best quality and consistency across
the various product areas. Reporting into the Product Technologist, the Assistant Technologist
works closely within the whole Product team of Buyers, Merchandisers and Designers.

The Role...
• Help to lead the garment technology process from: the initial creation of design packs
to issuing detailed technical information and garment specifications; risk assessment
and reviewing test reports to ensure compliance with all performance, legal and safety
standards.
• Work alongside the team in fit meetings to achieve the appearance desired by the
buying and design team as well as ensuring all products are fit for purpose and to
Next standards.
• Manage suppliers to deliver best quality garments and provide feedback from initial
sampling through to production.
• Optimise the use of Optitex 3D software & Optitex O/Cloud with suppliers and the
team to speed up the approval process and reduce sampling.
• Ensure the supply base is set up for successful bulk production and critical path is
managed to maintain on-time delivery.
• Actively take ownership of garment quality and delivery. Manage and rectify failures,
ensure high quality standards are met and maintained.
• Encourage a right-first-time approach, challenge suppliers to improve performance to
deliver quality and consistency.
• Engage in product risk assessment, highlight areas of concern and advise technical
solutions and product improvements.
• Work with the Sustainability & Compliance team to drive business sustainability
targets and eliminate the risk of hazardous substances in the manufacturing process.
• Monitor returns & faulty returns and communicate with the warehouse and suppliers
regarding quality issues.
• Advise the customer service team on product related complaints.
About You...
• You'll be an experienced assistant womenswear technologist skilled in
construction and manufacturing methods.
• Technical knowledge gained preferably within a fast paced retail 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 layman's terms.
• Exceptional eye for technical detail to consistently ensure the correct documentation
is used and followed.
• Demonstrate an awareness of current technical innovations within the hard and soft
accessories fashion industry.

Skills and qualifications needed:

• Specialist technical knowledge of womenswear manufacturing and
construction methods, testing and performance standards.
• Technical knowledge of multi fabrications in relation to womenswear
• Highly organised with good prioritisation skills.
• Confident and clear communication skills, both verbal and written, to build strong
relationships with product teams and external suppliers.
• Basic understanding and knowledge of Optitex 3D or other 3D software systems.

About Us
You know Next, but did you know we're a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 35,000 people across the UK and Ireland. We're the UK's 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we're the market leader. At the last count we have over 500 stores, plus the Next Online and it's now possible to buy on-line from over 70 countries around the world! So we've gone global!

About some of our Benefits

• 25% off a huge selection of Next, Lipsy & Victoria's Secret products
• Company performance based bonus
• Sharesave scheme
• On-site Nursery available; OFSTED outstanding in all areas
• 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
• Early VIP access to sale stock
• Access to fantastic discounts at our Staff Shops
• Subsidised restaurant, coffee shop and juice bar
• Access a 24/7 digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services
• Free on-site parking