Technical Manager

Our Story

From its inception in 1994, Chrissie Ruckers vision was to build a company that specialised in stylish, white, designer-quality items for the home that were not only exceptional quality, but also outstanding value for money. In addition to this devotion to simplicity, it was imperative the customer was put at the heart of everything, and provided with a second-to-none shopping experience - and so The White Company was born.

Today, the company that began as a 12-page mail-order brochure has become one of the UKs fast-growing multi-channel retailers and a leading lifestyle brand with over 72 stores across the UK and impressive global growth.

Our Role
The Technical and Quality Manager will be responsible for delivering the highest standards of quality, fit and production, working closely with the BMD teams and their suppliers. They will be responsible for setting the clothing Quality proposition and process and the management of the product development and sample sealing process from first sketch to gold seal and through to final production and customer, ensuring critical path dates are met In line with the buying team and balancing both the commercial and technical requirements as well as advising on the CRS business strategy. You will lead and develop a strong team of clothing technologists accountable for delivering consistent fit and the highest quality clothing for TWC, working closely alongside the BMD team. You will ensure there are consistent TWC blocks established and that the supply base adheres to TWC standards from sampling through to production. Working with the Sourcing Manager and Head of Buying, you will be accountable for the delivery of the supplier introduction and auditing process. You will develop and deliver the Supplier relationship management and performance review process.
What youll be doing
Suppliers To manage the Supplier introduction & audit process To conduct regular and appropriate audits / self-audits of the supply base in line with the agreed strategy To pro-actively review customer feedback from Stores, Call Centre, Feefo and Returns and build action plans to address root-cause issues raised with the appropriate teams. To put in place new strategies to avoid future issues. To compile & (alongside Buying & Merchandising) conduct regular Supplier performance reviews with our top agents & suppliers. To review output from supplier reviews and challenge sourcing strategy, lead times and achieved margins. To use suppler quality performance metrics to help manage DC QC workflow, particularly during peak.
Quality Develops clear end to end QA through to QC processes. Is accountable for making sure they are clearly understood by our supply base. Monitor new product deliveries to the DCs, ensuring that appropriate QC inspections are carried out. Identify and agree commercial tolerances with Buyers and vendors, when issues are identified with Bulk production and ensure financial penalties and costs are actioned for non compliant product. To develop a set of standardised TWC Blocks including grade rules that can be used across the supply base to ensure pattern and fit consistency and that they are in line with TWC customer profile, UK standard sizing and relevant to clothing trends. Be conversant with quality regulations that apply or may apply to TWC products. Determine & define new standards as new product areas or new regulations apply. To pro-actively manage the technical team in the product briefing process, in line with the critical path. (Materials, construction, finish, aftercare). To ensure the Technologists manage the communication with Suppliers during the sample production process, ensuring samples are made to the right standard, have test results and both technical and packaging problems are resolved. Manages the team to ensure all products are correctly packaged and care labelled to be fully legally compliant, and to protect them through our multi-channel delivery processes. Supports the team to work closely with Buyers and Suppliers to resolve issues arising during the production process. Supports Call Centre Managers in the resolution of any critical customer incident issues. Owns the product recall process for the business from a customer safety perspective and consults with Buying & merchandising on all other quality recalls. To ensure return levels are appropriately monitored and work with Technologists and Buying teams to resolve and roll out lessons learnt.
Corporate Social Responsibility Has a clear understanding of both the business and customer expectations with regard to environmental issues. Works closely with relevant Heads of Dept. to continuously develop and deliver against our CSR proposition.
Resources To maximise efficiency from the system resources available. To operate within the agreed Quality budget framework.
Management Activities To actively participate as a cross-functional player within the Heads of & Manager Teams to ensure that Company objectives are met. To pro-actively report to the Clothing Director on business issues and performance. To review and develop the team so that they are appropriately trained and motivated and appropriately skilled for the growing needs of the Business, using the Companys review process. To develop and maintain appropriate job descriptions for the department in order to ensure that responsibilities are clear. To continually monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of the team and to propose changes that ensure TWC is a vibrant and profitable company that is prepared to lead and respond to internal and external threats and opportunities. To ensure all communications & analysis packs distributed across the business are well targeted and provide appropriate and accurate information.
The skills and experience youll need
Knowledge of traditional pattern cutting. Excellent knowledge of garment construction and with knowledge of relevant retailing & manufacturing requirements. Educated to an appropriate Degree equivalent level. Ability to work on own initiative whilst leading a team and networking. Strong knowledge and network to continuously develop the knowledge of risk assessments, safety standards & legal requirements. Determine and define new product standards as needs dictate. Ideally Audit trained with a recognised qualification.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion statement of commitment
At the White company we are committed to creating an inclusive culture that welcomes and celebrates a diversity of backgrounds and identities.
We are working together to ensure our environment is one where people can bring their authentic selves to work, where their contribution is valued, ability enhanced, and perspective appreciated.
Where difference is respected, encouraged, and celebrated. We are committed to an active Equality Diversity and Inclusion Policy, which starts with our recruitment and selection process. We'd love you to join us on our journey.
Our Sustainability statement of commitment
We are committed to building a sustainable legacy that will enable a brighter future for people and our planet. We believe this should be reflected in everything we do
PRIDE In everything we do
P Passionate We look for team members who are passionate about their expertise or role, who bring the best of themselves to work and have fun with it. We need people who are passionate about offering impeccable service to customers and colleagues
R Resourceful We love hearing from people who use their initiative to solve problems or make processes more efficient. We value people who use their industry knowledge to support the success of the team, and those who care about sustainability.
I Imagination - The best people at The White Company bring creative ideas and offer solutions to problems. We encourage everyone, no matter how junior, to share their ideas and have a voice
D Dedication We look for people who want to go above and beyond for their team and the business. We love seeing evidence of drive from people who are dedicated to being the best in their field of expertise.
E Everyone We all want The White Company to do well and we do that through a One Team, inclusive approach. We need team members who are supportive, respectful people who share ideas and support team wellbeing

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