Technologist (Garment) at The Foschini Group

About the position

JOB DESCRIPTION

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:

To provide technical support to buyers and suppliers as necessary. o Manage the specific area's sample approval process within SLA.

Quality Control:

o Review of failed inspection reports and manage final outcome discussions. o Collaborate with Quality inspectors as required on final inspection failures where commercial decisions may be required.

Supplier Relationship:

o Work closely with suppliers to communicate technical requirements and address any production challenges. o Provide technical support and training to high-risk suppliers to ensure adherence to quality standards.

Documentation and Reporting:

o Maintain accurate records of sample performance, and quality control outcomes on TFG's systems. o Support management with style specific information to improve high risk supplier quality performance.

Innovation and Improvement:

o Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and new materials to drive innovation and improvement.

o Facilitate Seasonal Fit Workshops and Material Best practices to be researched and presented to relevant stakeholders

o To conduct Product Benchmarking as required by the relevant Brand.

Post-production:

o To regularly monitor the quality standards of delivered goods to stores, customer returns & the quality standards of product within the stores of our major competitors

o Answer and follow up retail customer complaints regarding quality and undertake relevant investigation as 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 related qualification (Degree/ Diploma)
• Must have a keen interest in retail, apparel and quality assurance

Skills:

• Excellent MS Office expertise
• Ability to easily adjust to work on 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
• Good knowledge of pattern design and garment construction

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 to deliver measurable results
• Ensures Accountability - takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets
• Manages Complexity - interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems
• Optimizes 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 the 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

ABOUT US

Who we are is because of our people. They are our greatest asset. TFG is an internationally diversified retail portfolio of 34 speciality lifestyle and apparel brands that Inspire our Customers to live their Best Lives and are woven into the lives of millions. Our vision is to create the most remarkable omnichannel experiences for our customers. TFG is more than a workplace, it's a launchpad for your growth. Join us and explore endless growth opportunities across our diverse brands. We're a purpose-led business, and on this team, you'll share the pride of making an impact across a whole industry.

We're the designers, the makers, the shakers and the teams behind the scenes.

Are you with us?

ABOUT THE TEAM

Designers play a key role in delivering creative solutions for our brands. They look for new and exciting ways to apply visual trends in fashion products, store design, marketing, learning and communication. Their minds are curious, and they are constantly seeking new ways to connect our customers to our brands.