Technical Manager - Womenswear

TRP Recruitment ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion recruitment agency seeks a Managing Director to lead the technical team for a premier ladieswear supplier. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years in apparel, including 5 years in technical management. Responsibilities include overseeing fit approvals, improving technical systems, and ensuring product compliance. Candidates should possess strong UK market knowledge and IT proficiency. This full-time position offers a chance to shape product quality and establish supplier relationships.

Qualifications

• 10+ years experience in a technical role within apparel.
• Minimum 5 years experience in a technical management role.
• Experience working with major UK retailers.
• Experience with sustainable products and materials is desirable.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet critical path deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the garment technology team.
• Oversee fit, sealing, and product approvals in line with critical path timelines.
• Conduct risk assessments on construction, fabrics, trims, and performance.
• Improve and streamline internal technical systems and processes.
• Work closely with design and merchandising to support development.
• Maintain strong relationships with customers.
• Resolve production and quality issues in collaboration with overseas teams.
• Ensure all products meet customer standards.
• Travel to factories overseas when required.

Skills

Technical management

Garment technology

Supplier relationships

Fit and seal processes

Sustainable products knowledge

IT skills

Pressure handling

Tools

IT skills

Job description

Managing Director – Fashion Design, Production, Technical & Head Office Recruitment

Contact: 020 3746 2436

A unique opportunity has arisen for my client, one of the leading ladieswear suppliers to major retailers and supermarkets. This position will lead the technical team to ensure product quality, fit, and compliance across all customer accounts.

Depending on experience, the role can be appointed at Manager or Director level. A strong supplier background within Ladieswear manufacturing is essential for this role.

Main Responsibilities will include:

• Lead, manage, and develop the garment technology team.
• Oversee fit, sealing, and product approvals in line with critical path timelines.
• Conduct risk assessments on construction, fabrics, trims, and performance.
• Improve and streamline internal technical systems and processes.
• Work closely with design and merchandising to support development and resolve technical issues.
• Maintain strong relationships with customers and manage fit meetings and feedback.
• Resolve production and quality issues in collaboration with overseas teams and factories.
• Ensure all products meet customer standards, brand manuals and testing requirements.
• Travel to factories overseas when required to review capabilities and support production.

Person Specification:

• 10+ years experience in a technical role within apparel.
• Minimum 5 years experience in a technical management role.
• Experience working with major UK retailers and a strong understanding of their requirements, including fit, seal processes, and in-store quality expectations.
• Experience with sustainable products and materials (desirable).
• Ability to work under pressure to meet critical path deadlines.
• Highly competent IT skills.

To be considered for this role, you must have the right to work in the UK, and/or be based in the UK and have experience working with the UK market.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Production and Quality Assurance

Industry

Retail Apparel and Fashion