Sample Room Technician (6 months FTC)

Job content

The role:

As a member of the Sample Room team, you will be responsible for the manufacture and delivery of technical garment samples, product prototypes and/or garment patterns as requested by the brand. Reporting into the Sample Room Team Lead, you will provide a valuable service to achieve brand business needs, namely working closely with Product Development teams to provide construction solutions to ensure product quality and desirability.

The role you’d play:

• Assist the Sample Room Team Lead in mainline and innovation prototype development, to enable the delivery of key products and technology platforms.
• Create prototypes, samples, patterns and construction guidelines on time and in full to support mainline and central innovation workstreams, servicing brands as a technical centre of excellence.
• Maintain accurate prototype/sample/pattern block library in order to create one accessible archive for all product teams.
• Have a thorough understanding of industry best standard practice, seeking new technological solutions such as digital pattern cutting, 3D printing and other innovative construction methods.
• Enable the delivery of key products and technology platforms in line with the central innovation R&D plan against agreed commercial objectives, timelines and brand strategies.
• Ensure the delivery of prototypes/samples that meet Pentland quality and performance standards
• Monitor the Sample Room material and component inventory and maintain sampling equipment to deliver cost efficiencies to the facility.
• Provide an expert service and mentor members of the Development Team to ensure the Sample Room facilities are accessible as required.
• Support external production partners and suppliers, identify new opportunities to create competitive advantage.
• And support any other activities across the business as appropriate

The must haves:

• Degree or equivalent in courses relevant to textile product design and development, or demonstrated industry experience.
• Experience in using a broad spectrum of industrial sewing machines, bonding equipment, and understanding of pattern cutting and construction methods to a high standard within or for a global activewear brand or similar industry.
• Knowledge of technical fabric construction techniques such as waterproof goretex and bonded stretch fabric.
• Experience in the delivery of accurate product samples working in a commercial manufacturing environment including a knowledge of Health and Safety at Work practices
• Exceptional technical knowledge of product construction, including latest market developments and knowhow
• Knowledge of the active/outdoor market to develop a strong understanding and empathy with the end user.
• Experience in maintaining / operating production machinery and prototyping facilities
• Experience in application of computer programs to an appropriate level for the purpose of product development, data management, presentation, report writing and communication
• Proven ability of working with external individuals, institutes and facilities to support prototype and sample development
• Experience of cross functional team working and integration
• Proven strong communication / listening skills with experience in tailoring style and content dependent on the audience as well as understanding cultural differences and requirements
• Ability to work independently in an organised manner to prioritise and multitask whilst maintaining a strong attention to detail.