Senior Fabric Developer & Technologist — Part-Time, London

Sahara; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Sahara is seeking an experienced Senior Fabric Developer & Technologist to shape the material language of Sahara’s collections. Based in Primrose Hill, you will report to the Head of Design and collaborate with the Founder and Creative Director, becoming a trusted voice within the design team.

This role blends imagination with technical rigour—defining fabric direction, sourcing, testing, and ensuring fabrics perform, while balancing cost, lead times and production capability.

Qualifications

• Strong track record in fabric development or fabric technology within premium womenswear.
• Experience with garment dye and artisan dying (shibori, tie dye).
• Excellent knowledge of fibres, yarns, fabric construction, dyeing, finishing and testing.
• Passion for textiles and artisan techniques such as ikats.
• Curious and commercially aware with natural fibres focus.
• Experience delivering fabrics within realistic volumes, prices and timelines.
• Strong communication with mills and suppliers, including briefing and negotiation.
• Understanding of responsible sourcing and material traceability.

Responsibilities

• Define seasonal fabric direction and translate concepts into distinctive fabric constructions.
• Research, source and develop fabrics with character and commercial viability.
• Create fiber blends and explore natural alternatives while keeping costs in check.
• Identify new mills and partners and nurture supplier relationships.
• Develop exclusive fabrics and manage briefs through sampling and approvals.
• Oversee fabric development from concept to bulk production and testing.
• Assess fabric performance (shrinkage, colourfastness, pilling, stability, care).
• Resolve technical issues while protecting design intent.

Skills

Fabric development

Fabric technology

Premium womenswear

Garment dye

Natural fibres

Color & texture sense

Sourcing & supplier liaison

Ethical/material traceability

Job description

Sahara is seeking an experienced Senior Fabric Developer & Technologist to shape the material language of Sahara’s collections. Based in Primrose Hill, you will report to the Head of Design and collaborate with the Founder and Creative Director, becoming a trusted voice within the design team.

This role blends imagination with technical rigour—defining fabric direction, sourcing, testing, and ensuring fabrics perform, while balancing cost, lead times and production capability.