Garment Technologist

Department: Garment TechLocation: Head Office, Chelsea HouseDescriptionThe Garment / Product Tech department at River Island supports the Buying and Design teams to ensure product fit and quality is in line with our brand strategy and values and is compliant in all markets/ channels in which we trade. This is achieved through strong Buying team, Design team and Supplier relations. A strong commercial awareness and application is essential.The Technologist is recognised by peers, buying and design teams and suppliers as a knowledgeable Technical resource who leads the achievement of established standards of fit, quality and performance for the department/s, in line with the critical path and brand priorities; is responsible for ensuring the product is fit for purpose and aligned with brand objectives.Key Accountabilities:May be required to manage a junior member of the team – eg junior technologist / student. Includes mentoring, setting objectives to be achieved and ensure they are being worked towards; providing timely feedback and support to enable that person to work to the best of their ability.Leads the technical approval process on their department/s - and is the ‘go to’ person for all matters relating to 'Technical’.Identifies opportunities or risk which may lead to cross functional collaboration/ initiatives.Works with suppliers and buying teams to establish opportunities for improvements.Leads the product development and approval process of the department to ensure delivery is compliant to all RI standards (fit, quality, performance and compliance) including those of wholesale partners and all markets in which River Island has a presence.Responsible for ensuring River Island ways of working are followed by buyers, designers and suppliers for all technical processes, in order to achieve KPI’s of efficiency, consistency and ‘right first time’Responsible for risk assessment of both production and safety (prior to production) and collaborates with supplier and b