Garment Technologist

The Garment / Product Tech department at River Island supports the Buying and Design teams to ensure product fit and quality are in line with our brand strategy, values and compliant in all markets and channels in which we trade. The role is performed by a technically knowledgeable professional who leads the achievement of established standards of fit, quality and performance for the department(s) and acts as the go‑to person for all technical matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical approval process for the department(s) and ensure delivery is compliant with River Island standards, wholesale partner requirements and all market regulations.
• Collaborate with suppliers and buying teams to identify opportunities for improvement and manage risk assessment of production and safety prior to manufacturing.
• Approve test reports and certificates of compliance, manage failures in line with commercial limits, and conduct regular reviews of supplier performance against KPI’s.
• Develop blocks and key shapes in partnership with buyers and designers; contribute to grading tables and document technical manuals for the department.
• Conduct regular quality and fit reviews through store visits, wearer trials, fit squads, benchmarking and analysis of customer returns; provide feedback to suppliers and recommend actions to the buying team.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of global legislation and ensure product compliance at every stage of the supply chain.
• Communicate regularly with suppliers to promote understanding of River Island ways of working and to support the development of supplier technical capabilities.
• Assist in the supplier strategy by highlighting technical strengths and risks of key suppliers, and champion sustainability and ethical initiatives in partnership with the respective teams.
• Mentor and develop junior technologists or students, setting objectives, providing feedback and supporting their professional growth.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Technologist in a retail or manufacturing technical environment.
• Strong understanding of sizing, pattern making and grading.
• In‑depth knowledge of fabrics, materials and components relevant to the product area.
• Proven experience with fit, manufacturing, testing, compliance, legislation and other technical aspects of apparel.
• Experience working across multiple sourcing locations and managing supplier relationships.
• Strong commercial awareness and a genuine interest in the River Island brand.

Benefits

• 50% staff discount on all products.
• Free onsite gym and subsidised restaurant & café.
• Comprehensive family support: enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fertility treatment benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements, payday and summer early finish Fridays.
• Give‑as‑you‑earn scheme, matched funding and ‘Giver Island’ day.
• Upskilling through on‑the‑job training and qualifications, with a succession plan for progression.
• Generous bonus scheme and private pension plan.
• 25 days paid holiday (excluding Bank Holidays) plus the option to purchase additional days twice a year.
• Well‑being supports and a dedicated Retail Trust offering financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more.
• Keep You Safe initiatives ensuring a safe working environment.

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