An exciting opportunity for an experienced Technical and QA Manager for a forward-thinking fashion supplier with long term career progression. You will be responsible for leading all technical, quality and compliance activities across the product lifecycle, ensuring that garments are safe, compliant and meet brand and customer quality standards from design through to delivery.
The role:
* Lead and manage the technical and QA team (garment technologists, QA/QC, inspectors), setting objectives, conducting reviews and supporting development.
* Own fit and construction from initial sample to sealed sample: run fit sessions, approve specs and size charts, confirm workmanship and finish.
* Review and approve tech packs, test reports, care labels and product specifications, ensuring they are accurate and up to date.
* Implement and maintain quality management processes, SOPs and inspection standards for incoming fabrics, in line production and final AQL inspections.
* Ensure all products meet legal, safety and compliance requirements (e.g. fibre composition, labelling, product safety, chemical and flammability requirements where applicable).
* Work closely with design, buying and merchandising to anticipate and mitigate quality risks early in development.
* Liaise daily with UK and overseas factories: provide technical guidance, resolve make up issues, agree construction methods and support right first time production.
* Lead pre production meetings and sign off processes, ensuring factories clearly understand specifications, testing and quality expectations.
* Monitor customer returns, complaints and quality claims, perform root cause analysis and drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) with suppliers.
* Analyse quality KPIs (reject rates, right first time, rework, returns) and implement continuous improvement initiatives across the supply base.
* Manage external test houses and laboratories, agree testing protocols, and ensure timely receipt and review of reports.
* Audit and rate suppliers against quality, technical and compliance standards; support improvement plans where required.
* Contribute to sourcing decisions from a technical and quality perspective, including fabric, trims and wash approvals.
* Ensure accurate technical documentation and records are maintained in PLM/ERP systems, including specifications, approvals, test results and CAPA logs.
* Promote a culture of quality and continuous improvement across the business, championing best practice and training non technical teams where needed.
Requirements:
* Proven experience in a senior garment technologist / technical manager / QA manager role within fashion or textiles, ideally in multi product apparel.
* Strong knowledge of garment construction, fitting, grading, fabrics, washes and manufacturing processes (woven, jersey, knit).
* Solid understanding of UK and EU product safety, labelling and compliance requirements for clothing and textiles.
* Demonstrable experience leading and developing technical or QA teams, including performance management and coaching.
* Confident working with UK and overseas factories, resolving technical issues and driving performance in a fast paced, volume environment.
* Strong analytical skills with experience using data and KPIs to drive decisions and improvements.
* Excellent communication skills, able to influence cross functional stakeholders and represent the technical function in senior meetings.
* High attention to detail, with a practical, solutions focused approach to balancing quality, cost and lead time.
*By submitting your CV, you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions as stated on our website and consenting to us processing your personal details in relation to current/future job opportunities. The information that you have submitted to us will be used in order to consider your suitability for the role you have applied for. A copy of our Privacy Policy can also be viewed on our website which explains how we gather, protect and manage any personal data that you share with us*
Please be aware the duties listed above are an interpretation of the role and do not form any part of your employment contract. Please ask the interviewer any questions about the role that you wish to clarify.
Tagged Resources Limited acts as an employment agency. We have 25 years of Recruitment and Industry experience, working with Retail and Supply Chain markets and have various positions available. If this vacancy does not suit your experience and you are looking for a suitable role, please look at our website or follow us on social networking sites. All are updated daily.