Fabric Technologist

**Fabric Technologist**
- 230002SR)

Our Fabric Technologist will support the Fabric Technical Manager in all aspects of Technical Fabric R&D & Sustainability within the Clothing Dept. You will liaise with the Design & Innovation teams to keep informed of new fabric & trend developments, have a good eye for fabric with the ability to interpret fabric into commercial garments, and drive management of the fabric quality standards for the business.

**You will;**
- Demonstrates an in-depth technical understanding of fabric technology and how to achieve the required performance standard
- Input into the management the fabric quality of the business by using key measures
- Have sourcing knowledge of the fabric supply chain
- Review and strategically develop quality management processes and systems to improve lead-time and reduce costs
- Manage the supply base to ensure that we are working with the most capable Mills
- Support the buying, design and merchandising teams in your departments to achieve the business objectives and drive innovation and quality standards
- Engage and support Sainsburys Asia colleagues through visits and regular communication

**You will also be accountable for;**
- Delivering the technical strategy
- Supporting technical and commercial teams on all aspects of Technical Fabric R&D and sustainability within clothing; policy, fibre usage roll-up, driving business targets, developing new sustainability opportunities, maintaining relationships with external partners; SCAP, BCI, Changing Markets etc
- Support the technical development of product through wearer trials and competitor comparison
- Analyse customer returns and customer feedback
- Improve the number of right first time fabric test reports to improve efficiency
- Ensure fabric technical manual is accurate and communicated to the supply chain
- Visit Mills and audit their technical capability and follow up factory issues taking the necessary corrective actions
- Act as a facilitator in process improvements both internally, and externally with the supply chain to drive improvement
- Understand the customer needs through regular store visits. Seek out customer & colleague feedback.
- Have market and competitor awareness with a view to contributing to profit: adding value and reducing costs.
- Support the delivery of business targets for Sustainability, Fabric Consolation and Standardisation.
- Ensure business KPI’s of speed to market and cost benefits are achieved through the Supplier self-approval process and lab accreditation scheme.

**About you;**
- Experience in a manufacturing and /or retailing environment
- Proven track record in quality management and/or product development
- Excellent communication skills
- Commercial awareness
- Knowledge of Brand management
- Uses knowledge to develop practical solutions to problems.
- Takes advantage of every opportunity to share relevant information and is always approachable and visible to the team.
- Ensuring customer feedback is used to influence decisions made.
- Addresses difficult issues in an open and constructive way. Adopt a coaching culture.
- Uses processes to get results and recognising when to use your own initiative.
- By seeking to be challenged at work and reacting positively to change

**Why Sainsbury’s**

Work-life balance is important to us, so we offer our colleagues as much flexibility as possible in line with the needs of their role. We trust them to decide how, where and when they work, combining remote and collaborative working with a flexible approach to hours, giving them plenty of time and space for life outside of work whilst delivering against our business goals.

LI-MC1

**Primary Location**: GB-GB-Coventry

**Work Locations**: Coventry Store Support Centre - Ansty Park and Home Sainsbury's Store Support Centre Draken Drive Ansty ParkAnsty Coventry CV7 9RD

**Job**: Product Technology

**Schedule**: Full-time

**Advertised Salary** Competitive