Freelance Garment Tech / Product Developer

We're recruiting on behalf of a Group Company with a portfolio of reputable global brands, which is looking for an experienced Garment Technologist to join its London office on a freelance basis.

You'll work on the Vera Wang womenswear range, taking styles from development through to bulk production and working closely with design, suppliers and technical partners.

If you have a sharp technical eye, strong fit and construction knowledge and the confidence to hit deadlines, this is a great opportunity to hit the ground running with an immediate start.

Main responsibilities will include:

• Working closely with the design team to ensure a coherent look and feel across each collection, and assisting with fabric and yarn selection that reflects brand DNA within agreed price brackets to achieve target margin
• Maintaining accurate records on the PLM for every style, including design and development details, fabrication and print
• Managing and maintaining spec sheets and precise measurements in partnership with design, setting grading rules and approving bulk production measurements with suppliers
• Leading development and seasonal production fittings, ensuring consistent quality, fit and design integrity from development through to gold seal
• Managing the bulk production QC process, approving styles with suppliers ahead of shipment, and giving factories clear instructions so samples and bulk are made to specification
• Overseeing testing, certification and AQL sign-off to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards, and managing digital product passport compliance
• Approving care instructions and care label artwork, and managing supplier audits to ensure ongoing ethical and technical compliance
• Conducting seasonal wearer trials, reviewing and improving fits, analysing customer returns and feeding quality issues back to suppliers, carrying out regular comp shops for brand alignment, keeping to range plans and critical paths, and updating the supplier manual, points of measurement manual and testing guidelines

Person Specifications:

• 4+ years' experience in a Garment Technologist role
• Technical training and understanding of pattern cutting
• Strong knowledge of fabric, garment construction, technical drawing, measuring and fitting
• Good understanding of textiles and the manufacturing process
• Excellent organisation, time management and ability to prioritise and work under pressure
• A problem-solving mindset and strong relationship-building skills, internally with product and design teams and externally with the supply base, technical labs and SMU partners
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Experience working with sportswear product is preferable but not essential