Lead Garment Technologist - Womenswear

Our client is a well established supplier of licensed products, with a unique portfolio of diverse and industry-leading fashion, sports, and outdoor brands across childrenswear, adults clothing, accessories and footwear. The Lead Garment Technologist is responsible for defining and delivering the technical strategy across the womens clothing category. The role ensures product integrity, consistent fit, regulatory compliance, and right-first-time quality while supporting trading performance, margin protection, and customer satisfaction. Acting as the senior technical authority, you will influence cross-functional decision-making across Buying, Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Supply Chain to deliver commercially successful product ranges aligned with brand standards and retail performance expectations.

Lead Garment Technologist - Womenswear - The Role:
 
Strategic Technical Leadership
•          Define and execute the clothing technical and QA strategy aligned with overall business objectives.
•          Establish clear technical KPIs aligned to commercial goals and ensure delivery against agreed performance targets.
•          Monitor and report on key metrics including right-first-time performance, returns, AQL pass rates, critical path adherence, and quality cost impact.
•          Act as the senior technical decision-maker across the category, providing governance and clear direction.
•          Drive accountability and embed right-first-time principles across product development and supplier partnerships.
•          Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce in-season issues and protect profitability.

Product Development & Fit Governance
•          Oversee garment fit, grading, construction, fabric performance, and testing standards across the category.
•          Establish and maintain consistent fit blocks and grading principles.
•          Own the technical critical path, ensuring milestone adherence to support launch dates and delivery targets.
•          Provide commercially balanced technical solutions that protect both brand reputation and margin.

Retail Quality & Risk Management
•          Identify and mitigate technical risks that may impact trading performance or customer satisfaction.
•          Analyse returns data, quality KPIs, and customer feedback to implement preventative corrective actions.
•          Govern AQL performance, ensuring failed inspections are managed through structured Corrective Action Plans with measurable improvement.
•          Resolve complex technical issues efficiently to protect revenue and customer trust.

Compliance & Governance
•          Ensure compliance with UK, EU, and international regulations, including chemical, safety, and labelling requirements.
•          Maintain and update technical manuals, fit standards, and SOPs in line with legislative and industry developments.
•          Provide strategic guidance on regulatory changes and their business impact.

Supplier & Cross-Functional Partnership
•          Build strong technical partnerships with offshore suppliers to drive performance against agreed KPIs.
•          Conduct supplier capability assessments and implement performance improvement plans where required.
•          Develop and deliver targeted supplier training programmes to elevate technical standards.
•          Partner closely with Buying and Merchandising teams to ensure commercial decisions are supported by sound technical risk assessment.

Commercial & Operational Impact
•          Support margin optimisation through cost engineering and construction efficiencies.
•          Lead technical initiatives that improve quality metrics, reduce lead times, and enhance operational efficiency.
•          Contribute to broader business transformation projects impacting product lifecycle and supply chain performance.

Lead Garment Technologist - Womenswear - The Candidate:

• Extensive experience in a senior QA/Technical role within  apparel
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing technical teams
• Strong knowledge of garment construction, fit, fabrics, testing, and performance standards
• In-depth understanding of global compliance, safety, and quality regulations
• Experience working with licensed brands and multiple brand identities is desirable
• Confident working in a fast-moving, high-volume environment with the ability to react quickly and decisively
• Commercially aware with a pragmatic, solutions-driven mindset
• High levels of drive, determination, and resilience
• Ability to influence, challenge, and inspire at all levels of the business
• Calm under pressure with a proactive, can-do attitude
• Strong communicator with excellent problem-solving skills
• Passionate about product, quality, and making a difference

Lead Garment Technologist - Womenswear - The Package:

• Competitive salary 
• Private health & life cover plan
• Product discounts

Due to the anticipated interest in this role only short listed candidates will be contacted.
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