Production Manager & Garment Technologist

ZipRecruiter; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Production Manager/Garment Technologist to join a vibrant bridal and couture department. This role involves overseeing garment production, ensuring high standards, and coordinating with manufacturers. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the luxury garment sector and strong organizational skills. Benefits include staff discounts, training opportunities, and health support.

Benefits

Staff discounts

Training opportunities

Health & Wellbeing support

Cycle to work scheme

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years' experience as a Garment Technologist/Production Manager.
• Full understanding of production standards.
• Basic pattern-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate production across multiple manufacturers.
• Conduct weekly quality control of garments.
• Address and resolve technical and quality issues promptly.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Organizational Skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP

Job description

Job Description

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Production Manager/Garment Technologist to join the vibrant and growing Vivienne Westwood Bridal and Couture department. This is a 12-month fixed-term contract role within the team.

The role will report directly to the Senior Bridal Collection Manager and will provide pivotal support to the Product Senior Manager, overseeing all aspects of garment production across multiple manufacturers, ensuring that the products meet high standards and specifications while adhering to deadlines.

The role will also serve as a key link between the Atelier’s pattern cutting team and external manufacturers, providing technical insights and coordination.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and coordinate production across multiple manufacturers efficiently.
• Visit manufacturers regularly during production phases.
• Research new manufacturers and lease agreements for new developments.
• Conduct weekly quality control of garments across multiple manufacturers.
• Manage the grading workflow of patterns, including sending patterns to graders, follow-ups, and organizing sampling for production rollout.
• Coordinate pattern corrections, replotting, and return of physical master patterns internally and with external manufacturers.
• Address and resolve technical and quality issues promptly during production.
• Prepare for offsite and freelance machinists as needed.
• Manage all pre-production samples, communicate notes from fittings, and prepare/send physical cut tickets, recording sample movements.
• Work closely with the Head Pattern Cutter to ensure garments are fit for production, recording relevant data, and addressing construction concerns proactively.
• Create physical production trim cards for each style/fabrication.
• Set up new suppliers in PLM/SAP systems.
• Coordinate with accounts for invoicing and payments related to production.
• Organize materials (fabric, trims, samples, cutting documents) for in-house and external sampling/production.
• Collaborate with the Product Coordinator to rollout monthly and ad-hoc productions.
• Possess a thorough understanding of luxury garment construction, finishes, and techniques including tailoring, corsetry, embellishment, lace, woven, brocade, velvet, silk, satin, etc.
• Confidently fit garments, conduct quality inspections, and make recommendations for improvements.
• Check pre-production samples for measurement, fit, and final approval before production begins.
• Continuously review and suggest improvements for department costs and efficiency.

PROFILE & KEY SKILLS

• Minimum 8 years' experience as a Garment Technologist/Production Manager in a mid-to-high end business, with experience in corsetry, bridal, and evening wear.
• Full understanding of production standards.
• Basic pattern-making skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
• Team player, self-motivated, with excellent communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Flexible and able to manage changing workloads.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; SAP knowledge is a plus.
• Attention to detail, especially regarding trims and hardware.
• Courageous and confident in leading and challenging decisions.

(Please note this is not an exhaustive list of duties; additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.)

BENEFITS

• Staff discounts
• Training opportunities
• Health & Wellbeing support, including private medical insurance, EAP, gym discounts, and financial planning services
• Cycle to work scheme
• Generous annual leave
• Pension scheme
• Career development opportunities
• Work for a company committed to caring for its people and environment

Note: Applications may close early, so apply promptly.

Vivienne Westwood is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on protected characteristics as outlined by law.

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