Product Technologist : Menswear & Boyswear

Ackermans; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team as a Product Technologist where your expertise in product development and technical design will shine. This role is crucial for maintaining the quality of products and processes, ensuring compliance with standards, and driving innovation. You'll collaborate with suppliers and stakeholders, leveraging your problem-solving skills and attention to detail to enhance product offerings. If you're passionate about delivering high-quality products and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you to make a significant impact in the retail industry.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience in manufacturing or retail product technology.
• Strong knowledge of retail business processes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Assess products for compliance with company standards and specifications.
• Research and assist in the development of new products.

Skills

Product development

Technical design

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Negotiating skills

Time management

Networking skills

Education

Grade 12 Certificate / Matric

National Diploma in clothing/fashion design

Bachelor's degree in Consumer Science

Tools

Adobe Design Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are seeking a talented Product Technologist to join our team.

Your role will involve providing critical technical support by maintaining and enhancing the consistent quality of our products and processes, aligning with the company's overall product strategy.

If you're passionate about delivering high-quality products and have a keen eye for detail, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

Key Responsibilities:

1. To accurately assess products against company standards and specifications in accordance with the critical path to ensure consistent compliance across all departments and suppliers.
2. To research, source and assist in the development of new and existing products in accordance with company strategy.
3. To maintain, communicate and issue standards and product specifications.
4. To review and provide insights regarding necessary product specification adjustments in accordance with Company strategy.

Knowledge Required:

1. Retail Business processes.
2. Relevant legislation (e.g., Country of Origin Labelling Act).
3. Knowledge of SABS standards.
4. Supplier base knowledge.
5. Related services – Distribution Centers, Customer Care, Marketing, Stores, Information Technology, Shipping, and Packaging.
6. Understand Retail Business critical path.
7. Departmental (Product Technology) processes and standards.
8. Product Technology objectives and strategies.

Skills Required:

1. Product development, technical design and/or pattern making.
2. Sound problem-solving and decision-making skills.
3. The ability to communicate business expectations effectively to suppliers and technical information to non-technical audiences.
4. Effectively represent the company to external customers, suppliers and stakeholders.
5. Excellent accuracy and attention to detail.
6. Analytical skills.
7. Sound planning, organizing & time management skills.
8. Good networking, interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
9. Negotiating skills.
10. Good conflict management skills.
11. Work independently, as well as be a team player.

Qualifications & Experience:

Experience Required:

1. 3 years manufacturing experience (preferably within a clothing environment) and/or sample room experience.
2. Or 3 years retail experience in product technology with exposure to a broad range of clothing.
3. Experience working with merchandise suppliers to ensure good product quality and practices.
4. Experience in product fit and measuring requirements.
5. Experience in assessing samples and advising on fit for purpose, fit and technical outcomes.
6. Experience in 3D pattern design.
7. Outwork (printing, dye-house, fabric mill) exposure.
8. Experience in garment laboratory testing.
9. Exposure to production floor, work study and process engineering.
10. Exposure to textile dyeing, printing and finishing processes.
11. Exposure to general attachments to specialised manufacturing units.
12. Exposure to product washes/dyeing processes.
13. Exposure and/or experience in production quality auditing of textiles.
14. Exposure to textile development.
15. Exposure to automation/manufacturing machinery.
16. Experience in product specific manufacturing, pattern making & grading.
17. Exposure to pressing, ironing and fusing.
18. Computer literacy including programs such as Microsoft.
19. Relevant experience in production-related health and safety practices.

Essential Qualifications:

1. Grade 12 Certificate / Matric.
2. National Diploma in clothing/fashion design/clothing management OR Bachelor's degree in Consumer Science or similar.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Certificate in Fibres and Fabric.
2. Proficient in Adobe Design Suite (Acrobat, Illustrator, In-design & Photoshop).
3. Diploma/Degree in Packaging Technology from the Institute of Packaging South Africa.