Apparel Technical Manager

Equip Outdoor Technologies UK Ltd based in Alfreton, Derbyshire specialise in the design and marketing of technical outdoor clothing and equipment. Our experienced and enthusiastic team develop innovative designs, manufactured to the highest standard and brought to market throughout the world. Equip Outdoor Technologies own and operate two leading aspirational outdoor brands, Rab and Lowe Alpine. For further information on Equip please visit our website at

Our team is based at our Head Office just outside The Peak District National Park off jct28 of the M1 corridor.

Great opportunity to join our team as Apparel Technical Manager

You will be responsible for ensuring the technical integrity, quality, and fit of all apparel from SMS handover through production. This role will oversee the development of technical specifications, manage sample approvals and ensure compliance with brand standards and manufacturing capabilities. Acting as the technical authority, you will collaborate with design, product development and buying teams to deliver innovative, cost-effective, and high-quality garment product that meet performance and aesthetic requirements.

This role is also responsible for planning and allocating technical resources, optimizing team capacity through the season and ensuring timely delivery of information and production. Responsible for all activities relating to Apparel Vendor resourcing and counter sampling and costing.

Key Responsibilities of Apparel Technical Manager (including but not limited to):

• Manage style handover process from PD, to enable the GT team to create Style product specification ensuring attention to detail and accuracy of all technical requirements- issue to supplier
• Manage GT critical path and workflow
• Receive Buy Information - interpret and plan Tech team workload ensuring outputs are scheduled in-line with Buy calendar. Status updated and maintained on seasonal tracker
• Manage the size approval process, attending fit meetings and ensuring brand integrity
• Manage Bulk Trim Approval - Trim, Thread, Embroidery, Print and maintain trim database
• Manage PP approval process with good decision-making skills
• Create SMS specs for all carry-over styles/new colours and issue to suppliers
• Daily coordination with suppliers to progress product through to production; providing technical support and ensuring quality standards are maintained
• Update & Translate Wash care information
• Garment Durability Testing and compliance
• Carry out AQL and QC inspections – investigate, risk assess and resolve QC issues
• Update systems for "in-season" updates/changes/fabrics on carry-over styles and communicate this to relative departments including product compliance
• Own product pre-production process
• Customer Returns - Analysis/Actions
• Fit/Block development and Maintenance
• Identify and implement opportunities to reduce carbon footprint
• Management, development, mentoring and support of the team
• Provide training and technical support for the Tech team
• Overseas travel / QC Inspection Trips to Vendors (as and when needed)

To join us you must have:

Essential

• In-depth knowledge of all aspects of product construction with hands on experience
• Previous experience working with overseas factories
• Full understanding of garment specification (building specs, adjusting, grading)
• Full understanding of QC process & procedures (AQL inspections and reporting)
• Strong knowledge & understanding of pattern making, fitting and grading process
• Experience of reviewing test reports and good understanding of performance standards
• Previous management experience
• Excellent planning and organisational skills to manage the pre-production approval process with team and suppliers in line with the Buy calendar
• Creative thinking to industrialise and improve product quality & cost through construction
• Experience of managing and developing teams
• Excellent communication skills at all levels
• Highly enthusiastic, with 'can-do' attitude
• Very high attention to detail with the ability to accept and meet critical deadlines
• Resourcefulness and resilience

Desirable

• Degree or equivalent in Garment technology, fashion or textiles engineering
• Previous experience of outdoor-wear and similar sector/industry
• Experience working for a brand or retailer
• Strong IT skills (Microsoft Office)
• A passion for the outdoors and a real understanding of the brands and the needs of outdoor users

Salary and Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience
• Contributory company pension scheme, subject to qualifying conditions
• Discretionary profit share bonus scheme
• Life Assurance scheme
• Employee Benefits Platform
• Employee Wellbeing Programme
• Free, unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning training resources
• Great staff discounts on our Rab and Lowe Alpine products
• Reciprocal trade discounts on climbing, bikes, camping, sailing and running equipment
• Casual dress code
• Modern facilities with free on-site parking and we are proud to be a climate neutral company

Closing date for applications is 31 January 2026

For general enquiries please contact:

Strictly No Agencies please

Our people are part of one team that is geared to achieving success for the company, and we are strongly committed to inclusivity, promoting equality and celebrating diversity among our staff. We are looking for people who are passionate about and can help live our values of Synergy, Ingenuity, Ambition, Determination and Integrity.