Technical Manager / Director

TRP RECRUITMENT; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading apparel supplier in London is seeking a technical team leader to oversee product quality and compliance for major retailers. Candidates should have over 10 years of experience in technical roles and possess strong leadership abilities to manage garment technology. The role offers hybrid working options and requires impressive IT skills along with comprehensive knowledge of UK retail standards and expectations.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in a technical role within apparel.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a technical management role.
• Experience with sustainable products and materials is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the garment technology team.
• Oversee fit, sealing, and product approvals.
• Conduct risk assessments on construction, fabrics, trims, and performance.
• Work closely with design and merchandising to resolve technical issues.

Skills

Technical management

Experience with UK retailers

Problem-solving

Communication skills

IT skills

Job description

I am delighted to be recruiting for my client, one of the leading suppliers to major retailers and supermarkets in the UK. My client has a reputation for undisputed quality, outstanding compliance, and first-class design and production.

This position will lead the technical team to ensure product quality, fit, and compliance across all customer accounts. The role will work closely with design, merchandising, and production teams, as well as UK and overseas offices and factories, to deliver commercially viable, well-executed products.

Depending on experience, the role can be appointed at Manager or Director level. This role is based in my clients London office and does offer some hybrid working.

Main 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 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 (supplier and/or retail)
• 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 .