Technical Manager

Recruiting for an experienced senior Garment Technologist/Product Developer or Technical Manager ready for a new challenge! Our client is a leading manufacturer of high quality workwear with small onsite production and established offshore manufacturing routes

You will have overall accountability for all stock across finished and raw materials, identifying supplier and purchasing strategies to meet key objectives and manage risk, and have a commercial focus on product development to ensure suitability and fit for purpose.

As part of the senior management team, you will be a confident and collaborative people manager and team player.

Technical Product Manager - Responsibilities

* Manage initial design development for new styles and continuity of existing

* Manage sample and fit development from concept to QC production working closely with inhouse production, mills and offshore manufacturers.

* Source cost effective cloth/trims for product development

* Analyse scale of price increases, MOQs and leadtimes against market trends, and work with senior management to identify and implement a robust supplier strategy to manage risk.

* Product analysis for cost efficiency ensuring quality is key

* Ensure all suppliers meet performance against SLAs, ethical trading and company standards

* Travel offshore to oversee production/new developments – cloth development and finished garment.

* Oversee cloth development from sourcing/approval submits to bulk ordering

* Trouble shoot product & quality issues, find a solution and action changes

* Create and manage critical path to ensure production deadlines are met for new developments

* Maintain close communication with suppliers building strong relationships to enhance cost effective outcome

* Support the development and progression of the product developers.

* Manage special measures and onsite customer support.

Technical Product Manager – Person Skills & Qualifications

* Experience as a senior garment technologist / product development or technical manager level.

* Confident understanding of garment construction / manufacturing experience.

* Proven ability to build strong working relationships with material suppliers and factories and internally with all departments.

* Good commercial awareness, ability to develop the right product/quality and to identify trends and opportunities

* Exceptional organisation and time management skills. Ability to manage the detail.

* Excellent communication and good negotiation skills.

* MS Office & Excel proficiency & Adobe Illustrator.

* A Team player, and a team leader, ability to support and manage others
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed