We have a unique opportunity for a Garment Technologist ( QA Officer) to join a leading retail Brand in Melbourne Australia! Relocation support and visa provided for an initial 2 year contract.

We are looking for an Established Technologist who has worked predominantly on womenswear with a strong knowledge of wovens and jersey products.

Responsibiities:

Work collaboratively with buying and design to create new tech packs in line with departmental timelines, quality standards, and commercial requirements.
 Ensure creative interpretation of Design Brief and RIGHT-FIRST-TIME sample development
 Carry out full preparation for fit sessions: assess the sample to review garment construction e.g. tension, fabric type and garment
 Fit garments with Designer/Buyer to ensure samples are to agreed specifications as per ‘Design Brief’ and agreed delivery dates can be maintained
 Take full responsibility for approval of styles to bulk production
 Drive the pace of fit sessions, take full ownership that styles are fitted in the correct order and on time – in line with critical path per department
 Promote, publish and use standards, sales and key block shapes to maintain consistency of fit and quality levels
 Update standards and key block shapes as required and publish to key stakeholders
 Support Buying, Design and Suppliers by proactively offering focused solutions to technical problems encountered during development and production; Drive and promote opportunities for product improvement
 Effectively escalate issues to buying that may impact delivery (i.e.: re-work, re-style, extra sample) and agree actions to ensure full clarity
 Apply standard industry and grade rules for bulk production
 Provide clear and direct technical instructions to offshore offices within the required timeline
Communicate effectively to internal stakeholders; show commercial acumen when advising; offer the problem and the solution
Ensure that verbal and written communication is clear, comprehensive, appropriately timed and accurate
Ensure the use of appropriate channel of daily communication e.g. telephone, email, or web cam with internal and external sources to discuss fit or quality issues
Promote the production / supplier relationship and manage this effectively to minimize risk and promote smooth running of the department
Use business tools and internal/external relationships to ensure that critical path dates are understood and met; Proactively and regularly consult the critical path to meet deadlines; escalate effectively to relevant stakeholders when this is not possible
Take full responsibility for managing own time effectively
Ensure the fit process is complete within the target dates and any amendments do not impact “on time” delivery
Assess any comments that may impact delivery i.e. re-work, re-style, extra sample and escalate to buying and design
Attend and contribute to weekly departmental tracking meetings with buying or production
Support the team by adapting easily to changing priorities
Take full ownership for product aftercare requirements for department
Carry out regular scheduled shops visits o evaluate product quality to Client’s standards and compare wash care within the market level
Allocate suitable care codes for each style based on fabric, retail price, end use and styling
 Assess and approve supplier test reports and care labels in line with required standards and delivery schedule
Under supervision manage claims process for goods failed at the Acceptance Quality Level (AQL) warehouse inspection; resolve issues quickly and decisively; ensure that supplier has full understanding of problems and impact.
Demonstrate full awareness of the financial impact of quality rejections and customer refunds; act on behalf of the Client to ensure that faulty product is not found in our stores
Contribute to monthly reporting on quality performance at warehouse AQL for department
Analyse customer returns; contribute to weekly assessment of returns report and demonstrate actions taken to reduce faulty returns
Keep abreast of changes in the industry and AUS market
Learn and apply correct systems usage - WFX & Critical Path Management within the QA process
Comply with the Company’s WHS policies and procedures
Take reasonable care for personal safety and that of other individuals within the workplace
Skills required
Previous experience working in a technical position in the fashion industry
Relevant work experience in a technical position in the fashion industry
Computer literacy in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook and Word)
Computer literacy in QA related software
Full understanding of critical path management as applied in a retail environment
Sound knowledge of garment construction, patternmaking and grading
Full understanding of the fit and sealing process as applied in a retail environment
Sound understanding of the commercial production process as applied in a retail environment
Full understanding of the commercial textile testing process
Full understanding of quality standards and legal labelling requirements for the Client
Full industry understanding of product being fit for purpose