We have a vacancy for an Assistant Fabric Technologist to join a leading supermarket chain. This really is a great opening to develop your career as a Technologist.
The Role
To assist with category strategy by supporting the Fabric Technical Manager / Fabric Technologist.
The Fabric Assistant Technologist will work with the suppliers, General Merchandise & Clothing support teams, designers, merchandisers, trading, satellite offices and retail teams to deliver great quality fabrics that are consistently produced to the appropriate quality standard ,are safe and diligently procured meeting all of the Client’s performance standards and policies. The Fabric Assistant Technologist will demonstrate our Clients company values and keep the customer at the heart of every decision.
Responsibilities
Supports the delivery of general merchandise and clothing products ensuring safety, legality and quality attributes are maintained.
Supports the delivery of the category technical strategy as well as setting and implementing standardisations and sustainability targets
Supports the delivery of right first time fabric approval in line with the commercial plan, competitor benchmarking, customer/store feedback, range reviews and post implementation reviews. Risk assesses Fabric and products under guidance. Product delivery is on time and to the right quality. Products are fit for purpose. Implements guidance regarding innovation and differentiation from our competitors.
Works with Fabric Technical Managers, Fabric and Product Technologists, buyers, merchandisers and satellite offices to identify fabric and mill selection for products. Supports the sourcing strategy.
Follows the KPI technical strategy with suppliers. Implements improvements in supplier performance and fabric quality.
Supports technical team with administrative task such as data collection and interpretation, preparation, review and fabric sample management, contacting suppliers and testing laboratories as appropriate
Creates fabric data from research and the market for products where required.
Work with buying, merchandising, design, packaging and other stakeholders to ensure fabrics are available on time and on quality, meeting critical path KPl's
Supports the team with data collection and interpretation, looking at trends. Investigates and resolves issues in a timely manner.
Carry out store visits to purchase and review products as required on behalf of the team.
Support the Fabric Product Technologist or Fabric Technical Manager in undertaking Benchmarking exercises, as required
Supports the wider team by taking on and delivering appropriate "stretch" projects.
Work collaboratively with test houses to ensure all testing processes are completed in a timely manner.
Responsibility for storage and keeping records of samples including customer complaints.
Sets up the payment of invoices for external parties and cross charging to other areas of business
May be required to work across multiple product areas as seasonal or business needs dictate. Clear training would always be given.
Candidate requirements
Previous experience working as an Assistant Fabric Technologist, or relevant intern experience
The ability to work collaboratively with supply base to deliver technical plans and drive quality standards within product area.
Is empowered to deliver the technical agenda and recognises areas where they may benefit from coaching or mentoring. Supports a globally inclusive and supportive culture.
Identifies opportunities to improve technical performance of product area through simplified ways of working.
Demonstrates a passion for products and delivers the technical aspects of the product plan in product area on time to a high technical standard.
Works with suppliers to recognise opportunities and deliver the right innovation for customers.
Demonstrates great judgement and problem-solving skills when follow up a quality, or safety product issue.
Identifies and delivers projects that will drive the quality, profitability and corporate responsibility performance of top selling lines.
Recognises and give feedback on colleague performance and celebrates achievements along the way as well as the end goal