Garment Technologist

Ref: 61

Role: Garment Technologist

Salary: Up to £32,000 DOE

Location: Sheffield

Hours: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week (fully on-site)

Benefits:

• 20 days holiday + 3 days at Christmas (rising to 25 with long service)
• Employer pension contribution
• Staff discount
• Westfield Health Care (Level 1)
• Death in Service scheme
• Discount site
• Bike2Work scheme

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Garment Technologist to lead the technical development of a sports bra product category. This role focuses on combining innovation, technical expertise and product knowledge to ensure exceptional standards of fit, comfort, performance and quality.

Key responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with Design to develop concept garments that elevate styling, comfort, fit and performance.
• Research and implement innovative fabrics, components and production technologies (including moulding, bonding and sewn constructions).
• Lead the development of new cup shapes, moulds and wires.
• Work with fabric technologists to evaluate and test new materials, ensuring durability, moisture management and recovery standards are met.

Fit & Performance Testing

• Manage fit sessions across a full size range, ensuring consistency in support, comfort and sizing.
• Ensure timely fitting processes and communicate feedback to factory partners in line with the bulk critical path.
• Arrange wearer trials for both development and production garments.
• Work with internal and external testing partners to provide verified technical data for new and existing styles.
• Analyse fit, wearer trial and testing data to produce clear technical recommendations for future development.

Technical Specifications & Bulk Production

• Produce accurate and detailed technical packs, including methods of make, measurement charts and packaging specifications.
• Ensure manufacturing specifications meet cost, performance and quality standards.
• Work with global teams and factory partners to troubleshoot production challenges.
• Approve prototypes, pre-production and shipment samples to achieve right-first-time manufacturing within critical path deadlines.

Quality & Compliance

• Conduct wash and wear testing to ensure ongoing product integrity.
• Review customer returns or failed stock to identify recurring technical issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with required quality, safety and sustainability standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as the technical expert for the sports bra category, advising design, buying and marketing teams.
• Support continuous improvement through technical training, feedback sessions and knowledge sharing.
• Assist in fitting sessions with external partners when required.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience as a Garment Technologist within lingerie, activewear or performance sportswear.
• Strong understanding of moulded cup construction, bonding, stretch fabric behaviour, elastics and technical performance materials.
• Background in bra fitting and performance analysis.
• Confident working with PLM systems and creating detailed tech packs.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to bridge creative and technical teams.
• Proactive, practical and solutions-focused approach within a fast-moving environment.
• Curious and innovative, with a desire to enhance product performance.
• Detail-driven, hands-on and accountable.
• Flexible and collaborative, able to work effectively across functions.
• Passionate about creating high-performing, empowering products for the end wearer.