Garment Technologist

Garment Technologist

Job Purpose

To ensure all uniform garments designed and developed by WWUGL are technically developed and produced to the required standards of fit, performance, durability, quality and safety, while meeting customer brand guidelines, commercial cost targets and critical path deadlines.

The Garment Technologist will manage the technical development of garments from initial design handover through to production sign off, working closely with Design, Buying, Product Development, Merchandising, Account Management, QA and suppliers to ensure products are fit for purpose, commercially viable and delivered to the required standards.

Key Duties & ResponsibilitiesTechnical Development

• Manage the end-to-end technical development of uniform garments from design handover through to production sign off.
• Prepare, maintain and update accurate technical packs and specification sheets, including measurements, construction details, components, labelling, packaging, care instructions and testing requirements.
• Advise on key measurements, construction details and technical requirements within design and development packs to support the production of prototype samples.
• Set up and maintain initial prototype packs and ensure product packages remain accurate throughout development.
• Maintain and update garment blocks, grade rules, measurement libraries and size standards to ensure consistency across product ranges.
• Ensure consistent fit and sizing across menswear, womenswear and unisex garments, where applicable.
• Maintain accurate technical sample trackers to monitor the progress and approval status of products against critical path dates.

Fitting & Garment Approval

• Lead and document fit sessions using live models and/or mannequins.
• Provide clear and actionable fit and construction comments to suppliers and factories.
• Approve graded size charts and production measurements.
• Review and approve proto, fit, pre-production and shipment samples against approved specifications and sealing standards.
• Ensure final samples meet all required fit, quality, labelling and packaging requirements.
• Monitor and approve garments through all stages of development, ensuring technical issues are identified and resolved before production sign off.

Fabric, Trim & Testing

• Support the selection of suitable fabrics and trims, considering performance, durability, comfort, aftercare, sustainability and cost.
• Assess and approve bulk fabrics, prints, trims and lab dips, ensuring quality and colour consistency across the range and supply base.
• Carry out or coordinate wash and wear trials on new fabric qualities where required.
• Set and communicate appropriate garment and fabric testing requirements, including colour fastness, pilling, abrasion, seam strength, dimensional stability, comfort and safety/FR requirements where applicable.
• Review and interpret fabric and garment test reports and agree corrective actions with suppliers where results fall outside specification.
• Maintain the fabric and testing matrix and ensure required testing is completed and approved.
• Review and approve wash care instructions.
• Review responsible and sustainable fabric and trim alternatives with the Design, Buying and Product Development teams.
• Review required sustainability and product certifications and ensure certificates remain valid and up to date.

Supplier & Factory Management

• Liaise regularly with offshore and onshore suppliers and factories to resolve technical, construction and quality issues promptly and effectively.
• Provide clear and timely technical instructions and decisions to the supply base.
• Work closely with suppliers throughout production to ensure technical issues are resolved without compromising quality or agreed shipment dates.
• Support suppliers in achieving required ex-factory dates and critical path deadlines.
• Support the onboarding of new suppliers and factories from a technical perspective, including capability assessments and initial sample reviews.
• Build effective working relationships with suppliers and factories to maintain consistent technical and quality standards.

Quality, Compliance & Risk

• Conduct garment risk assessments relating to wear, safety and functionality within the intended end-use environment, including corporate, hospitality, transport, aviation and security sectors.
• Identify potential design, construction or material risks and recommend appropriate technical improvements.
• Ensure garments meet rele

Work Location: In person