Garment Technologist - Knitwear and Jersey

Founded in 1972, Jigsaw was the first premium fashion brand on the high street. Since then, the company has expanded worldwide to work with the finest mills, cutting edge photographers, up-and-coming models and renowned architects. But the search for the best in the industry never stops.

As our journey continues, we're looking for passionate and talented people to learn about Style & Truth: a set of values that sets us apart from the rest of the high street, a belief that everyone should feel empowered to embrace their own style, be true to themselves, and not slavishly follow the fashion world. This means putting style before trends and truth before hype. Join the Jigsaw journey.

JOB PURPOSE:

We have a unique opportunity for a Junior Garment Technologist to take the next step and step up for Garment Technologist to join Jigsaw brand and work across the Knitwear & Jersey Womenswear ranges.

For the right candidate this role would be an excellent opportunity to take ownership of the Knitwear & Jersey Womenswear product area. You will be passionate about fashion and quality. You are able to demonstrate knowledge of garment construction, grading and testing, whilst continuously improving and perfecting your skills. You will set the highest standards to exceed our customer’s expectations for fit, quality and style. The ideal candidate will be used to a fast-paced environment and have a commercial eye and attention to detail.

Our Technical team partner closely with the Design and Buying departments to assure the fit and quality of our product along with its technical performance from first sample through to delivery are followed through. As a Garment Technologist you will take technical ownership of all aspects of Jigsaw Knitwear & Jersey Womenswear to ensure that the consistency of fit, construction, performance and quality is achieved across all garment categories, whilst maintaining continuity of sizing in the application of grading.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reporting to the Head of Technical, responsible for supporting the tech team driving best practice for the department ensure critical patch is followed. Drive & maintain premium quality standards for the brand. Maintaining consistent quality & fit in line with Company Standards.

• Work alongside cross functional teams playing an integral role in the development process providing accurate technical information for all new style developments. See product through from Green seal sample to production across knitwear & jersey categories. Train and mentor junior members of team to elevate product quality.

• Providing technical support and conduct risk assessment of designs and product. Work closely with designers and buyers to ensure product development is in keeping with the brand requirements and timescales.

• Ensure all fit samples are measured as well as checked against previous fit comments, giving any initial comments relevant for the fit session. Take ownership and lead fit sessions.

• Manage the production cycle in conjunction with Buying team in order to ensure deadlines will be met in a timely manner for both sampling and production. Advise Buying team immediately should any critical problems arrive during either the sampling or production process in order that a solution can be found.

• Take ownership of all sealer samples, pass clear and concise fit and make comments on product to factories including grading rules to ensure garments are fit for purpose. Submitting fit comments post-fit session to ensure all sample comments reach all suppliers in a timely manner in order to meet critical path deadlines.

• Creating and maintaining good relationships with suppliers and manufacturers.

• Take full responsibility and ownership for the technical performance of the product. Ensure all products conform to legislation, safety and quality standards. Manage test reports, resolving any testing queries, ensuring the product is safe, fit for purpose. Checking product and packaging against set standards.

• Work closely with and manage the supply base, providing technical support and resolving any technical concerns.

• Quality inspection and approval of all pre-production and production samples to ensure highest commercial standard.

• QC of new stock arrivals, assisting to highlight any areas for concern and escalating further QC where required.

• Collating technical and quality control feedback from customers/stores/web feedback via Production and design. Provide technical input into product withdraw/recalls& root causes analysis from customer feedback.

• Investigate and manage customer complaints, liaising with customer relations and stores.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• At least 4 years’ experience with technical knowledge is required, within a premium womenswear product.

• Strong knowledge of production methods, production cycle, testing, garment construction, pattern cutting and grading.

• Solid experience and ability to conduct comprehensive risk assessment of product.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience working with International FF factories.

• Excellent experience and knowledge in fabric testing protocol, industry compliance and guide lines for ethical sourcing.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills. Accuracy and Attention to detail is essential.

• Self-motivated with the ability to multitask and maintain focus in a fast paced environment and manage time accordingly. Ability to meet critical deadlines.

• Consistently demonstrates a solution driven attitude, proactively solving problems, anticipating challenges and finding solutions. Positive can do attitude and a team player.

• Good knowledge of luxury or premium womenswear product requirements and production techniques is essential, along with a passion for product and the ability to work in a fast paced and challenging environment.

• Software: Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office, in particular an in depth knowledge of excel is required. Experience with NAV, Citrix and PLM systems is beneficial.

• Fluent in English, second language desirable.

BENEFITS:

• Pension

• Holiday

• Fantastic Staff discount schemes – up to 50% (and 70% on 5 items per season)

• Sample sales

• Access to the Retail Trust – Jigsaw’s wellbeing and benefits provider, for a whole host of resources, support and discounts

• Unum life assurance and Help@Hand support

• EAP

• Cycle to work scheme

• Fruit in the office

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications are encouraged from individuals regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnerships or pregnancy and maternity.