Fabric Technician

BARBOUR; South Shields; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in lifestyle fashion is seeking a Fabric Technician for their Menswear Technical Team in South Shields. This role is crucial for ensuring the technical performance and compliance of fabrics, requiring collaboration with product teams and suppliers. Ideal candidates will bring a deep understanding of fabric performance and sustainability, alongside solid experience in the textile industry.

Benefits

Discretionary Company bonus scheme

Staff Discount

Healthcare Cash Plan

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Access to training and development

Free onsite parking

Subsidised canteen

Hybrid & flexible working

4pm finish on Fridays

Wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Experience in fashion, apparel, or textile industries required.
• Knowledge of testing methods and global compliance standards essential.
• Passion for textiles and sustainability desired.

Responsibilities

• Support fabric sourcing and testing compliance.
• Manage and assess fabric submissions, ensuring quality.
• Maintain fabric library and stay updated with compliance regulations.

Skills

Understanding of fabric performance

Problem-solving mindset

Strong interpersonal skills

Computer literacy

Education

Fabric textile related qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

PLM systems

Job description

Company Description:

The Barbour story began in 1894 in South Shields in the North East of England. Founder John Barbour began supplying oilskins and other garments to protect the growing community of sailors, fishermen and dockers. Still family owned and now fifth generation, Barbour HQ remains in South Shields. Under the leadership of Chairman Dame Margaret Barbour, Barbour has grown into a lifestyle brand sold in over 55 countries worldwide including Europe, the US and Asia offering a wardrobe of stylish functional clothing, footwear and accessories inspired by the unique values of the British countryside. The iconic Barbour Bedale and Barbour Beaufort wax jackets continue to be made by hand in the factory in South Shields. In 2020, Barbour launched Wax for Life, an overarching name for all of Barbour's wax services designed to encourage customers to extend the life of their wax garments. Wax for Life includes re-waxing and repairs (first introduced in 1921) and Barbour Re-Loved an upcycling circularity initiative. Each year over 70,000 wax garments are sent back to Barbour globally to be repaired, rewaxed or altered.

Position Overview:

We have an exciting opportunity for a Fabric Technician to join our Menswear Technical Team here at our Head Office in South Shields. This role will work closely with and supporting the product teams and manufacturing base to ensure we continue to deliver premium product in line with the business' critical path and budget.

This role is critical to ensuring the technical performance, compliance, and commercial viability of fabrics used across our clothing collections

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Fabric Sourcing Support.
• Fabric testing and compliance - liaise with suppliers and test laboratories to ensure accurate and timely testing.
  
  • Oversee and interpret fabric test results in line with internal and external standards.
  • Ensure all fabrics meet performance and safety requirements for target markets.
  • Manage and assess fabric submissions, identifying and resolving color and process inconsistencies.
  • Maintain an up-to-date fabric library and database.
  • Keep up to date with fabric compliance regulations globally and communicate relevant updates internally.
  • Care Label approval.

Skills and Experience:

• Fabric textile related qualification.
• Proven experience in a similar role within fashion, apparel, or textile industries.
• Strong understanding of fabric performance, testing methods, and global compliance standards.
• Experience working directly with fabric mills, third-party labs and suppliers globally.
• A passion for textiles, sustainability, and fabric innovation.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset with a hands-on approach.
• Ability to prioritise and multi-task.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Computer literate, including use of Microsoft office, previous use of PLM systems, or similar, an advantage.

Additional information:

• Overseas travel required - supplier/ mill visits as and when needed.

Benefits:

• Discretionary Company bonus scheme
• Staff Discount
• Staff Shop
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• 25 days holiday as standard increasing with length of service plus bank holidays
• Access to training and development activities to support your career development
• Free onsite parking
• Subsidised canteen
• Operate hybrid & flexible working
• 4pm finish on a Friday
• Wellbeing support

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