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

Gym King are looking for a confident Garment Technologist to join our Technical Team to create quality products for our exciting new kidswear range. The successful candidate will be part of the Technical Team and will be primarily responsible for the completion of finished product specifications. This role supports the Design & Buying teams to implement and improve fit and quality whilst working at speed to meet business objectives.

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
Applying appropriate methods of communication with supplier bases, showing initiative and creative thinking where necessary to solve problems
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 textile 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

The successful candidate will demonstrate behaviours that are aligned to these values.

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 period)
GK profit related bonus scheme
Flexible start (between 08:00-10:00) & finish (between 16:00 – 18:00) times
Staff shop with heavily discounted sample Gym King products
Discounted gym membership
Cycle to Work
Fully paid for annual staff party

Working hours: Due to the nature of this role, the hours will be full time (37.5 hours per week) Monday-Friday, although a flexible approach is required at times to meet the needs of the role.

Location: This role is based at Unit 6 Temple Point, Bullerthorpe Lane, Colton, Leeds LS15 9JL. 2 minutes off the M1 J46. There will be a requirement to travel as part of this role.