Purpose:
To liaise and manage cross-functionally all aspects of garment/product specifications, construction,
fits and quality from concept/design to pre-production, and shipment stages within the confines of
the business-critical path.
Key Accountabilities:
- Involved in research and risk assessment of fabric selections, and garment constructions, and developing fit for purpose, right first-time product with the X-Functional team at development/presales periods.
- Responsible for developing base blocks/fits including the creation of measurement charts and full grading, for new product during development timelines.
- Overseeing and implementing the grading and tolerance rules of cross category styles on all size specifications.
- Work closely with the Design teams to review Proto samples and Salesman samples for all aspects of design specification, fits, colours, fabrics, and branding.
- Review all tech packs created by Design team- marrying design specification to production specifications taking full ownership of the product lifecycle into bulk production.
- Responsible for the management of fit, quality & right first time on time delivery for their assigned product categories.
- Lead product/garment Fit Sessions with the relevant X-Functional team members to review all aspects of products.
- Analyse and advise on technical fit issues whilst communicating accurate comments to suppliers.
- Working closely with the X-functional team to review, create and submit accurate comments product comments and maintain workbooks which are to be sent to each offshore supplier, within the specified timelines.
- Requesting, analysing, and approving of all bulk fabrics, bulk trims, and bulk print/embroidery strike-offs during pre-production stages.
- Requesting, analysing, and approving all relevant product/fabric test reports including reviewing subsequent care label artworks during pre-production stages
- Conducting inhouse wash tests/quality tests as part of the ongoing risk assessment of product during development and pre-production phases of critical path.
- Create and submit accurate comments for PP/Gold Seal for each supplier, within the specified timelines and ensuring product is approved for all detailed construction and that all previous design/production comments have been adhered too.
- Ensure all product information/approvals/comments are accurately updated into the business and department critical paths- ensuring any decisions are commercial/consider wider impacts to the business.
- Conduct where relevant wearer trials to ensure quality standards are maintained, keep an accurate logging system for these trails.
- Manage the returns and faulty reports on a weekly basis. Analysing the data and resolving/highlighting any quality issues with suppliers and implementing solutions
- Proactively highlight any potential issues to management teams with regards to quality/potential risks to maintain and elevate quality standards. Maintain a constant “what if’ approach.
- Delivering continuous improvement and creative solutions overseeing compliance long-term across Suppliers. always promoting quality.
- Support on QC checks as and when required on landed goods in the warehouse.
- Undertake audits by spot checking products and reporting on findings.
- Provide support to other departments/team members when required in UK and on trips.
- Seasonal X-Functional store-checks/visits.
- Liaise with offshore suppliers daily via email, phone, or other communication tools, clarifying queries and solving problems to maintain strong and professional relationships.
- Attend weekly meetings to discuss progress of critical path by style and inform dept. managers of any risks to product and timelines.
- Be aware of trading standards and testing requirements where applicable to ensure products compliance alongside dept. managers.
- Experience of working with offshore suppliers/factories
Requirements:
- A technically oriented fashion qualification, preferably at degree level, is essential, as is a relevant experience of a similar role in a fast-paced fashion environment.
- Multi-product experience: ability to move between product areas with assurance across both Womenswear, Menswear, and potentially accessories.
- Experience of working directly with factories, and understanding of factory production, workflow, production control, and equipment
- Comprehensive understanding of both Womenswear and Menswear, fitting and fit issues is essential.
- Pattern-cutting knowledge is desirable; knowledge of grading and grade rules is essential.
- Thorough understanding of garment construction, fabric technology & testing
- Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
- A positive attitude towards challenges and implementing solutions.
- Strong time-management skills; able to prioritise tasks & be flexible.
- Excellent attention to detail
- Clear concise communication is a must both written and verbally.
- Confident using Outlook and Excel
- Experience of working with offshore suppliers/factories