Technical Manager - Kidswear & Homeware

About the role

The Technical Manager provides strategic leadership to the quality team, driving a collaborative and forward-thinking approach. They work closely with buying, design, and key stakeholders to ensure a consistent, end-to-end quality process across the full product lifecycle. The role is accountable for implementing and advancing the global quality, compliance, and fit strategy across their departments.

Key Responsibilities 

• Own and deliver the Matalan quality strategy for the relevant category or area, ensuring the team has the right capability, experience, and behaviours to drive performance. 
• Lead critical path management within the quality team, ensuring all deadlines and SLAs are consistently met. 
• Build and lead strong, collaborative partnerships with Buying, Design, and key stakeholders to embed quality and compliance at the centre of all decision-making. 
• Establish and lead regular, structured engagement with the supply base to ensure a clear, consistent and well-understood Matalan quality message. 
• Champion a “right first time” culture across the quality function, driving accountability and continuous improvement. 
• Take accountability for fit accuracy and efficiency across all products, improving sampling hit rates within the team and personally leading fit/seal decisions where required. 
• Oversee the development and completion of high-quality technical files to support product development and sealing. 
• Lead the creation and continuous improvement of testing standards, manuals and training materials in alignment with wider technical leadership. 
• Ensure returns and inspection data are actively monitored and leveraged by the team to identify risks and drive product improvements. 
• Provide clear, timely and actionable communication and reporting to stakeholders to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement. 
• Identify, trial and embed new technologies (e.g. PLM, 3D and other emerging tools) to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within the quality function. 
• Manage and maintain block or fabric libraries within the area of responsibility, ensuring accuracy and consistency. 
• Conduct regular store visits to evaluate the quality of sealed production and ensure alignment with expectations. 
• Undertake international travel to engage with the supply base as required by the business. 
• Lead the development and implementation of product engineering and sustainability design principles in collaboration with other Technical Managers. 
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance across all products. 
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of best practice guidelines and minimum make manuals, ensuring consistent application across the business. 

About You

• Previous experience operating as a Senior Leader within a Product or Fabric Technologist, Product Quality Manager, or technical specialist within retail or a supplier environment 
• Extensive and in-depth knowledge of relevant product categories or specialist areas aligned to business needs 
• Strong attention to detail, with a solid understanding of compliance regulations and product safety standards 
• Essential pattern-cutting and garment construction knowledge
• Proven knowledge and hands-on experience of factory production processes and manufacturing methods 
• Demonstrated ability to build effective supplier relationships and drive engagement across a global supply base 
• A genuine commitment to developing and upskilling team members 
• Proactive, solutions-focused mindset with the ability to identify, manage, and resolve quality issues efficiently 
• Strong analytical capability, with experience evaluating test reports and benchmarking products against competitors 
• Detailed knowledge of quality control processes and inspection standards 

About Matalan

From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, find out about how Matalan is ever-evolving  here.

We know as a team, we are stronger together – we champion equality for all and make lasting connections that go beyond work. We thrive off our inclusive culture, encouraging our colleagues to bring their true selves to work and contributing to collective creativity, open-mindedness and growth.

We want give every candidate the opportunity to perform at their best throughout the application and interview process and then ultimately in their role. If you require any adjustments during our recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested. 

Benefits

In addition to competitive salaries, we also offer the below core benefits:

• 20% staff discount, which increases with length of service
• Thrive Recognition Scheme 
• Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust 
• Life Assurance 
• Retail Rewards platform offering discounts for other retailers 
• Pension Scheme 
• Access to a wide range of career development 
• Additional benefits may apply depending on your role and area of the business