PURPOSE:

The Footwear and Accessories Technologist will be based within our technical department, covering all products within the Fred Perry footwear and accessories range across men’s & women’s.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advising key component, measurement and construction detailing to design/development packs to facilitate production of prototype samples
• Assessing all samples during the earliest stages of the development process in collaboration with designer and product developer, pro-actively influencing decisions where necessary.
• Updating product packages with comprehensive comments and sample feedback, providing technical instructions to the supply base.
• Full ownership of product from SMS stage to bulk production, fitting and approval of graded size charts for production, approving all fabric and trim testing.
• Maintaining technical sample tracker to track approval processes of products.
• Maintaining an accurate critical path from proto sample to bulk production stage in conjunction with the product development and production planning teams.
• Assessment, risk analysis and management of all potential new fabric and trim developments as well as bulk fabric, prints and trims, managing and influencing suitability and compatibility.
• Working closely with the product development teams to review responsible and sustainable fabric and trim alternatives, and review necessary certification needed, keeping on top of the validity of all certificates for all responsibly sourced fabrics and trims in the range.
• Reviewing base and bulk test reports of all fabrics and trims and maintaining legal and accurate fibre analysis for care labels. Maintaining fabric testing matrix
• Liaising with 3rd party technical bodies to optimise the support received.
• Liaising with suppliers and factories during the production to ensure technical issues are supported with clear and timely decisions to ensure shipment dates are achieved.
• Assessing production/shipment samples meet all quality, labelling and packaging requirements. Assessing final AQL inspection reports, liaising with the production department to facilitate the maintenance of required ex-factory dates.
• Liaising with retail and distribution partners to gain product feedback, assessing garment returns to improve future product development
• Proactively seeking to improve products and processes both internally and externally with accurate analysis and improvement proposals
• Ensuring brand standards for colours, embroideries and constructions are monitored and maintained across seasons.