Garment Technologist & Product Developer

Position Available: Immediately

Job description:

Feridax (1957) Ltd is the UKs largest wholesale distributor of motorcycle and cycle clothing and accessories. Our in-house brand, Spada, has been going since 1994. All research and development is carried out from our headquarters in Halesowen. Spada is a well know brand in the motorcycle industry; following the success of the brand we have recently branched out into the development of mountain bike (MTB) clothing.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Garment Technologist to be a key player within our Product & Design team. This is a thrilling time to join the Spada brand on our journey into new markets, with the opportunity to become part of a vibrant team, offering scope for development of yourself and your role.

As the Garment Technologist, you will be reporting to Spada’s Product Development & Design Manager and will hold responsibility for the end-to-end quality, fit and construction of Spada garments, accessories, and footwear. You will be tasked with helping to develop the Spada brand to be the go-to motorcycle and MTB apparel company by creating world beating quality within every garment that we release.

Key responsibilities:

• Sample processing: including garment measuring, assessment and compiling technical reports
• Sample management

• Tech pack creation
• Collating & confirming bill of materials for each garment
• Fit session management
• Manage the day-to-day communications with factories on product development
• Working with our Technical Product Advisor, manage the fabric and product testing function, ensuring all required compliance is in place, including CE and all regional, national & international laws in all countries we export and sell our products

• Ensuring all CE manuals are up to date
• Product cost engineering
• Work with the Purchasing Department to manage the critical path
• Ensure suppliers have all packaging artworks and instructions once PO’s have been placed
• Help with production knowledge sharing and providing cross-function communication to marketing and customer services

• Assisting the marketing teams on photoshoots
• Work with the QC team to trouble-shoot, problem solve and identify the correct action- plans
• Manage Supplier assessments and development plans
• Sizing & grading research and analysis
• Block development

• Researching new fabrics and construction techniques
• Product research and creating comparison reports
• Presenting to stakeholders and taking meeting minutes
• Create and manage an approved and passed fabric library
• Review and improve processes and operations

Key Skills

• 5 years+ experience as a Garment Technologist within a large apparel brand
• Extensive practical experience of product construction, fit development, fabrications, production processes and minimum make standards
• Show passion for the product through a proactive and motivated approach to your work

• Proven fabric/textile testing management
• Experience of working with international suppliers
• Have excellent relationship and communication management skills
• Can diversify experience to benefit a small team, whilst being hands on and championing positive change
• Experienced in a broad range of product types across both mens and womenswear including outerwear. Additional experience with technical products such as motorcycle PPE/MTB/Cycling, would be highly advantageous

• Flexible, willing to learn and keep up to date with the latest developments in technology
• Have excellent time management skills and ability to prioritise
• Excellent work ethic, highly organized
• Adobe Illustrator skills would be advantageous

Desirable Qualifications and Experience:

• BA or equivalent qualification in a clothing related subject
• Expert level experience as a Garment Technologist in clothing/apparel
• Good knowledge of fabrics, technical components and sewing techniques
• An understanding of complex garment construction and manufacture

• Adobe Illustrator skills would be advantageous
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel
• Experience in MTB or motorcycle PPE
• Interest in action sports
• The desire to take a brand to new heights with innovative ideas

There may be a requirement for international travel to carry out business with existing and prospective suppliers.

Benefits:

• 20 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (pro-rata), increasing by one day per year of service up to 5 years
• Healthshield cash plan and Perks discount scheme
• Pension and Life Assurance

• Free on-site parking
• Staff discount
• Annual Christmas party (pandemic permitting)

Hours:

• 8:45am – 5pm, Monday – Friday

Location

• Feridax (1957) Ltd, Park Lane, Halesowen, West Midlands, B63 2NT

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter to recruitment@feridax.com