Product Technologist

Mint Velvet began when founders Liz Houghton and Lisa Agar-Rea set out to create an unfailingly chic collection of contemporary, great quality staples and elevated fits that they felt were missing from their wardrobes. Feeling frustrated that they couldn't find anything they wanted to wear, or the great customer service they craved, they started fusing relaxed comfort with glamorous yet wearable fashion trends. Relaxed Glamour was born.As collaborative creatives, we take untold pride in our work, designing with heart and soul. We want to be a force for good and are committed to becoming a more circular and responsible business, from the fabrics we choose to our considered processes. We are an agile and growing business, and we work hard to create an environment which allows for growth and progression, balanced with the support and flexibility needed to meet the challenge of a high-performance culture.Our leadership teams and founders sit amongst the teams and encourage a culture of balance and passion. MV is a very special place, and our values are anchored by three main pillars: people, planet, and community.Our Values:With Soul. Courage & Resilience. Passion & Drive. Entrepreneurial Spirit. Collaborative.The Role:As a Garment Technologist at Mint Velvet, you will combine your passion and drive with strong technical expertise and understanding of our brand and customer, to ensure that our products consistently exceed expectations when it comes to quality, performance and fit. You will strive to achieve the best possible quality assurance across all products within your area, supporting and advising your Design and Buying teams through every stage of product development. You are responsible for seeking and addressing feedback on product brought into the business, analysing and proactively solving problems to improve performance, as well as maintaining the highest possible standards of ethics across our supply chain.The successful candidate will be an experienced Garment Technologist, ideally with a background in women's knitwear.Main Responsibilities:Manage the fit sessions by working with Buying and Design teams to ensure excellent and consistent fit of product together with the best construction methodsConduct a risk assessment of all products from the earliest point of development, raising and resolving any identified issuesEnsure that all fit and make comments are communicated clearly to suppliersStandardise key blocks with the support of the Buying & Design teams to increase speed & accuracy when fitting and to potentialise product performanceEnsure the process of delivering high quality assurance falls in line with the critical pathApprove all test reports for base and bulk materials in line with company expectationsApprove all wash-care instructions for the business, ensuring suitability for product typeMaintain the PLM system with accurate and approved fibre composition, washcare and measurement detailsLiaise with internal and external teams; including the QC team at the DC to understand and respond to quality issues, and to advise on future actionConduct regular visits and reviews with the DC team to ensure best practice and to discuss any issues or improvements to current processesConsistently looking for ways to improve the quality of product to exceed our customers' expectationsLead regular brainstorm sessions with the technical team, buying and design teams, to generate new ideas, improve product performance and standardise technical requirementsMaintain and develop strong links with the supply base ensuring a comprehensive knowledge of abilities and limitations with regard to technology and qualityComplete supplier reviews on a regular basis, setting clear objectives and suggesting ways to improve performance, including product and customer feedbackLead on sustainable sourcing for your product area(s), in partnership with CSR, the Buyer and the Designer and collaborate with the CSR Team to ensure you are always up to speed with sustainability best practice, and ensuring that that our factories are compliant and adhering to our MV code of conductDrive team performance with the right balance of support and direction in order to ensure you deliver great resultsCollaborate effectively with the wider Technical team and working proactively with the Buying teams to deliver department objectivesTo join our vibrant business as a Garment Technologist:You will have a minimum of 3 years' experience in a Technologist role, with experience in women's clothing, ideally knitwearYou have brilliant organisation skills, with the ability to prioritise your workload in order to get the job done to the highest standardsYou possess a collaborative approach – focusing on strong relationship-building and great communicationYou have good commercial awareness, a level of financial understanding and numeracy as well as affinity with productYou'll be rewarded with:Competitive starting salary and great career prospects in a fast-paced and growing business25 days holiday plus bank holidays and an additional day off on your birthdayCompany-funded private health insuranceAccess to Smart Health - providing a range of services such as private GP appointments, mental health support, nutritional advice and moreLife assuranceDiscretionary bonus scheme50% staff discountInterest-free season ticket loanFree ParkingEarly finish - finish at 3pm every pay day Friday & throughout summerBespoke induction support and ongoing development to help you thrive in your new roleIn-house performance coaches for all levelsA welcoming and inspiring work-environment