Garment Technologist

Li & Fung; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Orrsum is seeking an experienced Garment Technologist with sock expertise to join our technical team in Nottingham on a 12-month fixed-term contract. You will manage technical development from concept to production, ensuring fit, quality and manufacturability while collaborating with Design, Sales and overseas suppliers.

The role requires strong knowledge of yarns, knitting, construction, testing standards, and attention to detail, plus ability to interpret lab reports and manage multiple

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Clothing Technology, Textile Technology or a related discipline (preferred).
• Strong understanding of garment construction and manufacturing for underwear, loungewear and socks.
• Experience working directly with overseas factories.
• Excellent garment measuring and fit assessment skills.
• Ability to interpret laboratory test reports.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously.
• High attention to detail.
• Competent in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Responsibilities

• Manage the technical development of all sock products from initial concept through to production approval.
• Develop and maintain detailed technical specifications, construction standards and grading.
• Review tech packs and provide technical guidance to improve product performance, fit and manufacturability.
• Assess samples at all development stages, providing clear technical comments and corrective actions.
• Conduct fit sessions and evaluate comfort, sizing and performance characteristics.
• Work closely with suppliers to resolve technical issues and achieve the required quality standards.
• Approve materials, yarns, trims and construction methods.
• Ensure products comply with customer requirements, retailer standards and relevant legislation.
• Manage laboratory testing programmes, including colour fastness, dimensional stability, abrasion resistance, pilling and fibre composition.
• Analyse test reports and implement corrective actions where required.
• Monitor production quality and support suppliers with continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain critical path timelines and ensure technical milestones are achieved.

Skills

Garment Technologist

Socks specialist

Overseas factory experience

Garment measurement

Lab test interpretation

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Excel

Education

Degree in Clothing/Textile Technology

Job description

Job Title: Garment Technologist (12-Month Fixed-Term Contract, Maternity Cover) Location: Nottingham, UK Working type: Onsite Working Job Type: Full-time, 12-month Fixed Term Contract– 37.5 hours a week (Monday to Friday)

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced Garment Technologist ideally with specialist expertise in socks to join our technical team. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring all sock products meet the highest standards of fit, comfort, performance, quality and manufacturability. Working closely with Design, Sales, Merchandising and overseas suppliers, you will manage the technical development process from concept through to production, ensuring products are commercially viable and delivered on time. This role requires an excellent understanding of yarns, knitting technologies, construction techniques, finishing processes and global testing standards. This is a fixed-term maternity cover position expected to last up to 12 months. The contract duration may vary depending on the return of the substantive post holder from maternity leave.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the technical development of all sock products from initial concept through to production approval.
• Develop and maintain detailed technical specifications, construction standards and grading.
• Review tech packs and provide technical guidance to improve product performance, fit and manufacturability.
• Assess samples at all development stages, providing clear technical comments and corrective actions.
• Conduct fit sessions and evaluate comfort, sizing and performance characteristics.
• Work closely with suppliers to resolve technical issues and achieve the required quality standards.
• Approve materials, yarns, trims and construction methods.
• Ensure products comply with customer requirements, retailer standards and relevant legislation.
• Manage laboratory testing programmes, including colour fastness, dimensional stability, abrasion resistance, pilling and fibre composition.
• Analyse test reports and implement corrective actions where required.
• Monitor production quality and support suppliers with continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain critical path timelines and ensure technical milestones are achieved.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Previous experience as a Garment Technologist ideally specialising in socks.
• Strong understanding of construction and manufacturing processes for underwear, loungewear and socks.
• Experience working directly with overseas factories.
• Excellent garment measuring and fit assessment skills.
• Ability to interpret laboratory test reports.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously.
• High attention to detail.
• Competent in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Desirable

• Experience with major UK or international retailers.
• Experience with sustainable fibres and manufacturing practices.

Personal Attributes

• Analytical and solution focused.
• Commercially aware.
• Collaborative team player.
• Proactive and self-motivated.
• Calm under pressure.
• Passionate about product quality and innovation.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Right First-Time sample approval rates.
• Reduction in product quality issues.
• On-time completion of technical critical path milestones.
• Successful achievement of testing requirements.
• Continuous improvement initiatives implemented.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Clothing Technology, Textile Technology or a related discipline (preferred).
• Relevant industry certifications are advantageous.

About Orrsum

Orrsum is a market leader in the supply of Hosiery, Underwear & Loungewear to global retailers. With a passion for great product design and a reputation for taking trends, along with the latest technologies, we develop product portfolios to match a brand or retailer’s core customer base. Orrsum currently design, supply, promote & distribute for a number of licensed global brands and own label brands.

As an equal opportunity employer, we shall consider all applicants regardless of gender, age, religion, marital status, race, sexual orientation, disability, disease, pregnancy, or trade union and/or political affiliation, and disregard all factors deemed inappropriate by local law and the International Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

Li & Fung is creating the supply chains of the future. As entrepreneurs, we create innovative products and provide end-to-end solutions for our customers. We are using speed, innovation and digitalization to transform our business in ways the industry has never seen before. Our teams thrive on collaboration and embrace diversity as a driver of innovation. We believe that our people are the source of our strength and expertise, and the reason for our success. We are committed to the creation of an educated, inclusive environment, where everyone is valued and respected, no matter who they are. We know that learning is continual and are dedicated to investing in the future of our people. We are putting purpose at the core of what we do at Li & Fung to make a difference along the supply chain and in our communities. Our goal is to create the supply chain of the future to help our customers navigate the digital economy and to improve the lives of one billion people in the supply chain. You can learn more about our purpose and values