Our client is a purpose-driven brand specialising in vibrant, high-quality loungewear inspired by the rich colours and textures of East Africa. Founded by an entrepreneur with a passion for sustainability and ethical production, the company focuses on crafting comfortable and stylish clothing made from natural materials. The brand’s mission goes beyond fashion; it is committed to empowering young people, standing up for what’s right, and giving back to the community by supporting charitable causes. A percentage of profits is donated to initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and provide psychological support to children and families facing critical health challenges.

With deep roots in values like well-being, relaxation, and responsible production, the company has steadily grown from a small venture into a recognised name in the loungewear space. Their culture is driven by a belief in doing good while producing great products, making them an exciting place to work for anyone passionate about meaningful impact and creative fashion.

About the role
As the first Garment Technologist for the brand, this role will be pivotal in leading and educating in all aspects of fit and quality. The role will work collaboratively with the founder, the Designer, the Buyer, and the ESG lead to ensure all products exceed customers’ expectations for fit, construction, and quality.
The role will establish all necessary processes and best practice guidelines required of a Garment Tech department to run smoothly and in line with the other areas of the business.
This role will require a high level of experience in Garment Technology with a view to leading and growing the department in future.

PLEASE NOTE: This role will be based in Cambridge until October, when the business will move to a new office in Pimlico, London. While in Cambridge, the role may be carried out on a hybrid basis with one or two days in the office as required. Once in London, the role will be full-time onsite.

We will consider candidates wishing to work on a part-time basis of 4 days a week or full-time. Part-time will be paid pro rata.

Key requirements of the role
First steps – Business Analysis

• Liaise with the business teams to establish how technical aspects are currently handled and by who, and define which will now fall under the Garment Tech’s remit.
• Review all current blocks, specs, grading and tech processes in the business to see what areas need standardising and can be improved.
• Bring all specs and grading charts into a uniform format.
• Develop best practice guides for Sampling, Fit Meeting, and Sealing process
• Carry out a competitor review of blocks and plan in a review meeting to compare all fits and present findings for refining and improving fit selection.
• Carry out a grading review meeting with models to refine grade offering; consider dual sizing if and where beneficial.
• Establish a Block Library.

Product Quality

• Compare the construction of similar products from competitors.
• Review construction across all products correcting where necessary and ensuring it is of the highest quality for the brand and customer expectations.
• Consider areas of construction where cost savings can be made without compromising on quality.
• Ensure construction meets any legal requirements, i.e. drawcord lengths.

Sampling and Sealing

• Work with the Buyer and Design teams to establish an efficient and collaborative sampling process.
• Take ownership of the spec allocation for tech packs ensuring suppliers have the most updated spec and grade rules per product per season.
• Establish a fit meeting schedule.
• Ensure all samples are measured before fit sessions.
• Lead fit meetings, ensuring concise comments on quality and fit amendments are recorded and relayed to suppliers in a timely manner with relevant diagrams and photos as necessary.
• Liaise with the Buyer to ensure samples are resubmitted according to the critical path.

Model Management

• Chose an in-house model (or from an agency, if necessary, later down the line) and factor their availability into the fit schedule
• Record model measurements and keep them updated.
• Organise a fitting area and model changing arrangements.

Supplier Management

• Familiarise yourself with the supply base and contacts.
• Arrange meetings with suppliers to understand and document their manufacturing and quality assurance processes.
• Roll out best practices for suppliers:
  • Brand Quality Expectations
  • Sampling and Sealing Process
  • Fabric Testing Requirements

Legislation and Testing

• Collaborate with the Founder, Buyer and Suppliers to establish the most cost-effective testing requirements.
• Create a brand testing manual with requirements per product and roll out to suppliers.
• Establish an efficient test reporting system so all required reports per season are received in a timely manner and actioned where necessary in line with the critical path delivery schedule.
• Action any testing failures in a constructive and commercial manner, informing the Buyer and Founder of any risks and action to be taken.
• Ensure all chemical testing meets legislative requirements for the markets where the product is sold.

Returns

• Work with e-comm and retail sales to establish the best method of analysing returns.
• Regularly review returns reports at relevant levels to identify key reasons for returns and action accordingly.
• Present returns reviews and actions seasonally

The ideal candidate

• You will have proven experience working as a garment technologist in both men’s and womenswear.
• A background working on multi apparel product categories.
• A strong understanding of UK leisure brands.
• Excellent knowledge of grading for men’s and womenswear.
• A solid understanding of patterns
• Sample sewing experience will be advantageous.
• You’ll be a strong communicator and confident in leading in your role.
• Good and establishing and developing relationships within the business and the supply chain.
• You’ll be proactive in establishing processes and improvements.
• Have a critical eye for details and risk assessment.
• Methodical and possesses excellent numerical skills.
• You’ll have a strong command of office software such as Word, Excel, and Google programmes.
• Good experience working with overseas suppliers and factory visits.
• Experience in AQL processes and assessment.

Company benefits
Being the first Garment Technologist for the brand, this is an exciting opportunity to use your skills and knowledge to make your mark in growing business.
You will be working with a small start-up with the view of growing the garment tech department over time.
The role will be onsite at new offices based in a central London location in Pimlico.
Other benefits include,

• Company pension contribution
• Employee discount
• Performance-based annual bonus
• Gym discount or full membership – TBC

To apply for this role, as well as meeting the above requirements, you’ll need to be living in and eligible to work in the United Kingdom without the need for visa sponsorship.
Jaymes Byron Talent is an equal opportunities company. We are and we work with clients who are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, where all employees are treated with respect and dignity. We aim to recruit the most talented individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or age. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and strive to ensure that our recruitment process is fair and transparent. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.