An Apparel 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:Input fabric testing outcomes to ensure 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 as required on final inspection failures where commercial decisions may be required.Supplier Relationship:Work closely with suppliers to communicate technical requirements and address any 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 Material Best practices to be researched and presented to relevant stakeholders.Conduct Product Benchmarking as required by the relevant Brand.Post-production:Regularly monitor the quality standards of delivered goods to stores, customer returns, and the quality standards of products within the stores of our major competitors.Answer and follow up customer complaints regarding quality and undertake relevant investigations as required.Manage the stores returns process when technical input is required.Qualifications & Experience:A minimum of 8 to 10+ 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.Behaviours:Effectively works with others to achieve shared goals.Recognises, respects, and appreciates the diverse values, beliefs, and perspectives of others.Effectively adjusts their behaviour, approach, and decision-making based on the situation.Develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align with the organisational goals and objectives.Assesses and improves the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of various work processes.Interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems.Takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed-upon performance targets.Sets ambitious goals and takes focused action to achieve desired outcomes to deliver measurable results.Preference will be given, but not limited to, candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.
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