Garment Technologist roles explained – the differences between supplier, retailer and manufacturers’ garment technologist roles…

Garment Technologist jobs do vary depending on Retailer, Supplier or Manufacturers’. It’s important to think about your personal skills and areas of interest and then decide which type of technologist job would suit you best.

In general – supplier roles are more hands on, practical and creative. You are very involved with product from start to finish and you will be able to have some creative input and hands on function.

Whereas, retail roles are more strategic, particularly at senior level. They involve working closely with the buying team, providing technical expertise and knowledge.

Manufacturing is just that: offering technical expertise and knowledge to the production process.”

What does a Supplier technologist do?

Supplier garment technologists often act as a middleman between retail garment technologists and manufacturers garment technologists.

The role involves liaising with both internal and the manufacturer’s design and technical departments so you need to be a great communicator.

You will be responsible for developing the product from initial design to final sign off by the client, so if you are creative and enjoy being involved at every step from concept to product, this role could really suit you.

You will need practical skills: a thorough knowledge of blocks, pattern cutting, grading, and manufacturing techniques.

Good fitting skills are also essential. You will be preparing products for manufacturing so product and fabric testing knowledge will definitely be required.

Here’s a sample job advert for an experienced Supplier Garment Technologist:

ZigZag ltd., a leading supplier of Women’s Outerwear, is looking for a Garment Technologist. The candidate will be working closely with design and production teams and will be responsible for the development of new product. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled garment tech with expertise in fit, sizing and garment construction.

West London location, £35K.

Key areas of responsibility:

Measuring, assessing and fitting samples prior to fit sessions.
Managing Customer fit sessions to ensure accuracy of information and product.
Internally fit product for all self-approving Customers and reporting back to the department Garment Technologist.
Providing clear instructions to off shore factories with amendment images/drawings.
Managing test reports and working with factories to improve standards. Approving fabric testing and care labels.
Managing product development in line with Client’s critical path- monitoring and updating product status.
Handling risk assessment of all new orders and raising issues with the sales/ production team.
Checking fabrics and trims on Production Samples to ensure they are within approved quality and appearance.
Organizing weekly production meetings with Production Manager.
Having overall responsibility for the development of garments from order through to production ensuring they perform to customer spec and quality.

The candidate will need:

Relevant experience in multi-product outerwear and a keen eye for detail.
Excellent practical technical skills
A sound understanding of supplier procedures, the critical path process
The ability to confidently attend and contribute to Client fit meetings and manage follow up procedures.
The ability to build and maintain successful working relationships with colleagues, clients and factories.

You can also read this article on FashionUnited