Fabric Technologist

For a quarter of a century, the Jellycat family have brought joy, wonder and playful fun to people of all ages, in every part of the world. Utterly original and in a class of their own, they are currently among the most loved and collected toys of their kind. How has this gentle tribe endeared themselves to so many? Perhaps it is their whimsical expressions. Or the deliciously soft fabrics. Or the beautiful way in which they sit in your hand. Whatever it is, there is something magical and unmistakeable about each one of them.

This role will take ownership of the technical development and performance of fabrics across multiple product categories, supporting innovation while ensuring products remain safe, compliant, durable, and fit for purpose.

You’ll combine strong technical expertise with commercial awareness and collaborative working, helping to proactively identify risks, solve problems early in the development process, and drive continuous improvement across fabric development and supplier partnerships.

You'll be; Technical Development & Quality Assurance:

• Owning the technical development of fabrics across multiple product categories, ensuring quality, performance, and consistency throughout the product lifecycle.
• Working closely with Design, Buying and Sourcing teams to support effective product development from concept through to production.
• Evaluating fabric construction, finishes, performance and suitability for intended end use.
• Reviewing and approving fabric testing, analysing reports and advising on solutions for failing or underperforming materials.
• Driving improvements in quality and product performance, proactively identifying and resolving technical issues early in development.
• Benchmarking fabrics and product performance against competitors and industry innovation.

Compliance & Risk Management:

• Ensuring all fabrics and materials meet relevant legal, safety, and compliance standards.
• Conducting risk assessments and proactively identify manufacturing or performance risks, escalating where necessary.
• Ensuring suppliers understand and adhere to Jellycat’s technical standards, specifications, and ways of working.
• Supporting wider CSR and sustainability initiatives through supplier engagement and best-practice technical standards.

Supplier & Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Building strong working relationships with suppliers and manufacturing partners globally, driving consistency, capability, and quality improvements.
• Working collaboratively with internal teams to balance creative direction, technical feasibility, quality, and commercial requirements.
• Supporting and influencing supplier development through clear communication and technical guidance.
• Partnering closely with Fabric Sourcing teams to identify smarter, more efficient, and innovative fabric solutions.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence:

• Supporting continuous improvement across technical processes, systems, and standards.
• Challenging existing ways of working where appropriate and contribute ideas to improve speed, efficiency, and product outcomes.
• Managing key development timelines and critical path deadlines, ensuring projects progress smoothly and on time.
• Maintaining accurate technical standards, specifications, and documentation across all developments.

You'll have;

• Significant experience within a Fabric Technologist or Textile Technologist role, ideally across consumer products, fashion, lifestyle, accessories, toys, or related categories.
• A relevant qualification in Textile Technology or a related field is desirable.
• Strong technical understanding of fabric construction, performance, testing, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience working with global supply bases and overseas suppliers.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to identify risks and implement practical, commercial solutions.
• A strong understanding of compliance, safety, and product performance standards.
• Strong communication with the ability to explain technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• The ability to be highly organised with the ability to manage multiple developments and deadlines simultaneously.
• A strong relationship-building skills with a collaborative and proactive approach.
• The ability to be comfortable working both independently and within a fast-paced cross-functional environment.
• Proficient skills in Excel and are comfortable using internal systems and technical platforms.