Garment Technologist - Cotton Traders - Brackenfell

TFG (The Foschini Group); Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

TFG (The Foschini Group) in South Africa is seeking a Garment Technologist to ensure high-quality apparel production. The role involves collaboration with buyers and suppliers, managing sample approval processes, and maintaining product quality standards.

The ideal candidate will possess a relevant technical qualification and 3 to 5 years of experience in the retail or apparel manufacturing environment. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential, along with a keen interest in retail and quality assurance.

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of experience in retail or apparel manufacturing.
• Relevant technical apparel qualification required.
• Keen interest in retail, apparel, and quality assurance.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to buyers and suppliers.
• Manage sample approval processes within SLA.
• Review failed inspection reports and manage discussions.
• Work closely with suppliers to communicate technical requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of sample performance.
• Stay updated on industry trends and drive innovation.
• Monitor quality standards of delivered goods to stores.

Skills

MS Office expertise

Adaptability to new systems

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal and written communication

Problem-solving skills

Education

Relevant technical apparel qualification (Degree/Diploma)

Job description

Overview

A Garment Technologist plays a crucial role in the fashion and clothing industry, ensuring the development and production of high‑quality apparel by applying technical expertise in garment construction, fabric properties, and industry standards. This role involves collaborating with buyers, design teams, suppliers and manufacturers to address technical issues and maintain product quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Sample Development and Approval: Provide technical support to buyers and suppliers as necessary. Manage the specific area’s sample approval process within SLA.
• Fabric and Material Analysis: Ensure fabric testing outcome input to guarantee ultimate customer satisfaction.
• Quality Control: Review failed inspection reports and manage final outcome discussions. Ensure import orders are released on the Shipping system. Collaborate with Quality inspectors on final inspection failures where commercial decisions are required.
• Supplier Relationship: Work closely with suppliers to communicate technical requirements and address production challenges. Provide technical support and training to high‑risk suppliers to ensure adherence to quality standards.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of sample performance, textile testing results and quality control outcomes on TFG’s systems. Support management with style‑specific information to improve high‑risk supplier quality performance.
• Innovation and Improvement: Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies and new materials to drive innovation and improvement. Facilitate Seasonal Fit Workshops and research Material Best Practices to present to relevant stakeholders.
• Post‑production: Regularly monitor quality standards of delivered goods to stores, customer returns and competitor stores. Handle customer complaints regarding quality and conduct relevant investigations. Manage the store returns process when technical input is required.

Qualifications & Experience

• A minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in the retail or apparel manufacturing environment.
• Must have a relevant technical apparel qualification (Degree/Diploma).
• Must have a keen interest in retail, apparel and quality assurance.

Skills

• Excellent MS Office expertise.
• Ability to easily adapt to new systems for data capturing purposes.
• Ability to use initiative.
• An eye for detail.
• Exceptional organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills.

Behaviours

• Decision Quality – consistently makes timely, well‑rounded and informed decisions.
• Directs Work – effectively plans, organises and directs the activities of individuals or teams to achieve desired outcomes.
• Drives Results – sets ambitious goals and takes focused action to achieve desired outcomes and deliver measurable results.
• Ensures Accountability – takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed performance targets.
• Manages Complexity – interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems.
• Optimises Work Processes – assesses and improves the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of various work processes.
• Plans and Aligns – develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to organisational goals and objectives.
• Tech Savvy – leverages new technology to enhance productivity, improve problem‑solving and support business growth.

Preference will be given, but not limited to, candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.