This is a great opportunity to join an established supplier and a growing business that continues to go from strength to strength. We are seeking an experienced professional to lead and oversee the end-to-end technical product development of sweaters and knitwear product, ensuring products are developed right first time, are technically feasible, cost-effective, and fully compliant with customer requirements.
The role is responsible for driving early-stage technical decision-making, risk assessment, and data accuracy to minimise rework, reduce sample iterations, and ensure a smooth transition from product development into bulk production.
This is a full-time, on-site position based in Leicestershire.
Technical Manager – Product Development
Key Responsibilities
- Lead technical development from tech-pack review through swatch, trial, fit, PPS, and bulk handover
- Conduct all technical meetings including tech-pack review, risk assessment, and trial reviews
- .Ensure development decisions are documented, communicated, and implemented accurately
- .Own and govern PDRA / Risk Assessment processes
- .Ensure risks related to product safety, yarn, construction, fit, testing, production feasibility, machinery, and attachments are identified and closed
- .Escalate high-complexity styles for customer or external risk reviews when required
- .Act as the technical authority on: Yarn properties and behaviour, Gauge and stitch structures, Knit-downs, tension, shrinkage, and dimensional stability, Linking, assembly, and finishing impacts
- .Ensure all developments are scalable and production-feasible
- .Lead all fit sessions and technical approvals
- .Approve proto, fit, size set, and PPS samples
- .Ensure fit, construction, comfort, and aesthetics meet customer standards
- .Ensure 100% accuracy of technical data including measurements, grading, SMV, yarn consumption, and risk records
- .Maintain version control and timely updates in PLM / Caspio / customer portals
- .Ensure no style moves to the next milestone without validated technical data
- .Work closely with Programming (Shima / Stoll), QA, IE, Merchandising, SCM, Lab, and Operations
- .Align technical decisions with costing, capacity, and delivery requirements
- .Support buyers and customers with clear technical communication
- .Lead, coach, and mentor the PD technical team
- .Conduct performance monitoring, coaching, and annual appraisals
- .Build technical capability and second-line leadership within PD
- .Ensure product quality, testing compliance, and technical safety standards are met
- .Maintain 5S, housekeeping, and workplace safety standards
- .Investigate technical root causes for customer complaints and prevent recurrence
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Technical Manager – Product Development – The person
- -Bachelor’s Degree in Textile Engineering or related discipline
- Minimum 10 years in sweater/knitwear manufacturing
- Strong background in product development and technical leadership
- Experience managing multi-disciplinary technical teams
- Knitwear construction and development expertise
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management
- High attention to detail and data discipline
- Ability to lead under pressure
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