Senior Garment Technician

Mitch Dowd; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Mitch Dowd in Melbourne is seeking an experienced Senior Garment Technician to join the Quality Assurance team in a full-time position. Reporting to the QA Manager, you will drive technical development from prototype through Pre-Production Sample (PPS) approval, ensuring all garments meet fit, construction, quality, compliance and retailer requirements before bulk production.

This is a hands-on technical role requiring exceptional garment construction and pattern knowledge, fitting expertise and

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience as a Garment Technician or in a technical role within apparel.
• Strong knowledge of garment construction, patternmaking, grading and garment fitting.
• Experience working across men’s, women’s and children’s apparel.
• Thorough understanding of Australian garment safety, compliance and labelling requirements.
• Experience interpreting retailer manuals, technical specifications and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Business managers, Product Developers and suppliers throughout the development of new products and licensed ranges.
• Ensure all technical information, specifications, care instructions, fibre content, labelling and testing requirements are accurate and complete.
• Develop and maintain garment specifications for bulk production.
• Assess prototype and pre-production samples for measurement accuracy, garment construction, workmanship and fit.
• Conduct garment fit sessions both internal, and with external retail customers providing detailed technical reports.
• Liaise directly with overseas manufacturers to ensure complete understanding of garment construction, quality expectations and technical requirements.

Skills

Garment construction

Patternmaking

Grading

Garment fitting

Supplier communication

Excel

Tools

Excel

Job description

Mitch Dowd is seeking an experienced Senior Garment Technician to join our Quality Assurance team in a full time position.

Reporting to the QA Manager, you will be responsible for the technical development of garments from prototype through to Pre-Production Sample (PPS) approval.

Working closely with Product Developers, Business Managers, overseas suppliers and retailer quality departments, you will ensure every garment meets fit, construction, quality, compliance and retailer requirements before being released to bulk production.

This is a hands‑on technical role requiring exceptional garment construction and pattern knowledge, fitting expertise and a thorough understanding of Australian product safety and compliance standards. You will provide clear technical direction to suppliers and manage the sample approval process.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Development

Collaborate with Business managers, Product Developers and suppliers throughout the development of new products and licensed ranges.

Ensure all technical information, specifications, care instructions, fibre content, labelling and testing requirements are accurate and complete.

Develop and maintain garment specifications for bulk production.

Assess prototype and pre‑production samples for measurement accuracy, garment construction, workmanship and fit.

Conduct garment fit sessions both internal, and with external retail customers providing detailed technical reports.

Liaise directly with overseas manufacturers to ensure complete understanding of garment construction, quality expectations and technical requirements.

Compliance & Safety

Ensure garments comply with all relevant Australian Standards, including Children’s Sleepwear Standards, mandatory product safety requirements and retailer specifications.

Review and interpret third‑party laboratory test reports and ensure all required testing is completed before approval.

Work closely with retailers’ Garment Technicians to achieve technical compliance.

Assess Pre‑Production Samples (PPS) for measurement, fit, construction and workmanship.

Conduct Pre‑Production fit sessions where required.

Submit Pre‑Production Samples and supporting technical documentation to customers for approval.

Monitor sample approvals, testing and outstanding technical issues.

Maintain accurate technical records, specifications and tracking systems.

Handover approved Pre‑Production Samples and supporting documentation to the Post Production QA team for bulk production reference.

Maintain an organised sample library for future reference and audits.

About You

You are an experienced Garment Technician with a passion for technical excellence and delivering high‑quality apparel.

You will bring:

Minimum 5 years' experience as a Garment Technician or in a technical role within the apparel industry.

Strong knowledge of garment construction, patternmaking, grading and garment fitting.

Experience working across men’s, women’s and children’s apparel.

A thorough understanding of Australian garment safety, compliance and labelling requirements.

Experience interpreting retailer manuals, technical specifications and compliance requirements.

Experience communicating technical requirements to overseas suppliers.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple critical paths.

Exceptional attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel..