Quality & Product Engineering Lead – Kidswear & Homeware

Matalan; Grimsby; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount

Pension scheme

Wellbeing support

Life Assurance

Retail rewards

Job summary

Matalan is seeking a Technical Manager to provide strategic leadership of the quality team across the full product lifecycle. You will collaborate with Buying, Design and key stakeholders to implement global quality, compliance and fit strategies, ensuring best practices and continuous improvement.

You will drive sampling efficiency, develop technical files, and lead testing standards while maintaining regulatory compliance and strong supplier partnerships.

Qualifications

• Senior Leader with product or fabric technologist/quality manager background in retail or supplier environments
• In-depth knowledge of relevant product categories aligned to business needs
• Strong attention to detail with understanding of compliance regulations and product safety standards
• Essential pattern-cutting and garment construction knowledge
• Hands-on experience of factory production processes and manufacturing methods
• Ability to build effective supplier relationships and engage a global supply base
• Commitment to developing and upskilling team members
• Proactive, solutions-focused with ability to manage quality issues efficiently
• Strong analytical capability with experience evaluating test reports and benchmarking
• Knowledge of quality control processes and inspection standards

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver the Matalan quality strategy for the relevant category or area
• Lead critical path management within the quality team, ensuring deadlines and SLAs are met
• Build and lead collaborative partnerships with Buying, Design and stakeholders to embed quality and compliance
• Engage with the supply base to communicate quality expectations
• Champion a right first time culture across the quality function
• Oversee fit accuracy and efficiency across products, lead fit/seal decisions
• Develop and maintain high-quality technical files to support development and sealing
• Lead testing standards, manuals and training materials
• Monitor returns and inspection data to identify risks and drive improvements
• Provide timely communication and reporting to stakeholders
• Identify and embed new technologies (PLM, 3D) to improve efficiency
• Manage block or fabric libraries and ensure consistency
• Conduct regular store visits to evaluate quality of sealed production
• Undertake international travel to engage with suppliers
• Lead development of product engineering and sustainability design principles
• Maintain knowledge of legislation and regulatory requirements
• Oversee creation and maintenance of best practice guidelines and manuals

Skills

Senior leadership

Quality management

Pattern-cutting

Garment construction

Factory production

Supplier relationships

Team development

Quality analysis

Regulatory compliance

Inspection standards

Job description

Matalan is seeking a Technical Manager to provide strategic leadership of the quality team across the full product lifecycle. You will collaborate with Buying, Design and key stakeholders to implement global quality, compliance and fit strategies, ensuring best practices and continuous improvement.

You will drive sampling efficiency, develop technical files, and lead testing standards while maintaining regulatory compliance and strong supplier partnerships.