Garment Technologist

**Garment Technologist - Kidswear**

**Function**: Garment Technologist

**Reports to**: General Manager / Head of Design

**Level**:Exec (Green)

**Location**: Leeds (Colton) 2mins from Junction 46 - M1, 20mins from Leeds Station

**Compensation**: Dependant on experience

**Role Purpose**

The Garment Technologist is responsible for delivering and driving consistency in fit and a high standard of quality within all products to the brand standards. Working collaboratively on product development ensuring product conforms to the construction, finish, performance, and sustainable/ethical requirements to achieve the required aesthetic. Striving to elevate and constantly evaluate product performance and improve quality and fit where possible.

**Responsibilities**
- Maintaining responsibility for all aspects of quality for GK Kids. Providing support on Women’s and Menswear when required.
- Identifying suitable fabrics, trims, and washes
- Where applicable, ensuring that Gym King sizing policy is maintained consistently across products and sizing is regularly reviewed.
- Ensuring product performance requirements are established and maintained through supplier education, testing and monitoring
- Agreeing manufacturing methods are achievable in bulk production, resulting in products that will perform to requirements after purchase
- Ensure adherence to the required sealing process from initial prototype to production sign off (including critical path adherence and management) Drive improvements where required
- Work with Design/Buying teams during product development to get as many samples ‘right first time’ as possible
- Risk Assess products to ensure feasible, safe and legal
- Work with suppliers to achieve the most cost-effective production methods to deliver the required quality standards
- Ensure all products are effectively managed through the appropriate testing and care /safety labelling requirements including the management of new fabrics/ components
- Support the wider business needs with vender ethical and compliance records keeping accurate and up to date information of compliance certifications. Work closely with factory to ensure standards are continually met and evolved.
- Actively adopt a Quality Assurance approach to all areas of role
- Drive product forward in terms of fit, construction and technical performance in order to meet customer expectations
- Work to the Critical Path maintaining deadlines effectively and highlighting any risk to dates throughout the season.
- Own and lead fit sessions, working collaboratively with the design team to achieve the perfect Gym King product. Documenting fit comments accordingly. Sharing clear fit and construction comments/requirements on Gold seal within the tech pack to the team.
- Ability to anticipate technical problems and offer strong solutions with corrective action plans.
- Analysing product returns, reviews, and product faults making recommendations required for product improvement. Contributing to initiatives to reduce customer returns
- Sending clear, concise and accurate comments to suppliers; processing samples in a timely and agile manner, in line with KPI’s
- Liaising with design, buying and suppliers to offer technical guidance on new product development with the aim of reducing costs and improving quality
- Promoting quality at all times, whilst maintaining a strong commercial attitude.
- Working closely with the design, buying, and merchandising team throughout the product development process.

**About you**
- Graduate with a fashion or têxtile related degree
- Experience within a garment technology department (2 years minimum)
- Proven experience of product; kidswear
- Strong knowledge of garment construction and manufacturing operations.
- Profound technical mindset.
- Knowledge of product performance and testing
- Strong knowledge of garment construction and manufacturing operations, including pattern cutting skills, grading and marker making.
- Working knowledge of fabrics and garment components and finishes.
- Ability to grow and adapt accordingly within a constantly changing fast-paced business
- Able to meet new challenges with a positive attitude
- Strong time-management skills; able to prioritise tasks and change direction with agility
- Confident using Outlook, Excel and Word. Keen to expand skill set as the role demands
- Commercially focused
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to communicate at all levels
- Ability to work independently

**Gym King values**:

- Fearless
- Focussed
- Driven
- Resilient
- Team Player

**Benefits**:

- Salary commensurate with experience
- 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) option to ‘buy’ up to 2 extra days
- Free onsite parking
- Relaxed and friendly working environment
- 50% Gym King discount for staff, friends & family
- 10 days sick pay (after completion of probationary period)
- Hybrid working (WFH day Wednesday)
- Health Cash Plan (after completion of probationary perio