Garment Technologist

ABOUT FINISTERRE

Born two decades ago from the needs of hardy British surfers, Finisterre is proudly B Corp certified and a leader in its field; designing functional and sustainable products for those that share a love of the sea and adventure. Whether based at our cliff top headquarters in St. Agnes, Cornwall or in one of our eleven retail locations across the UK, Finisterre is a truly unique brand and career proposition.

Perched a few hundred meters from the crashing Atlantic, our HQ at St. Agnes’ Wheal Kitty Workshops is at the heart of our brand. Here we stay true to our original design ethos of functionality and sustainability brought to life in an understated style and identity, always remaining committed to product, environment, and people.

Our people are at the very heart of the Finisterre brand, wherever they may be in the world, sharing our values and vision to make the world a better place. Culture and team are everything here. We take care to create a working environment where our people are valued and can thrive and grow with us. It’s a buzzing place to work, and we are privileged to enjoy the natural environment and ocean on a daily basis.

As we enter the next exciting stage of global growth, we are on the lookout for talented individuals to join our crew. So, if you are as passionate about the ocean as we are, if you embody our values to be Brave, Honest and Driven, if you want to be part of a truly authentic, purpose-led brand and you share our vision to create exceptional products in a responsible way, then we would love to hear from you

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our mission in the Technical & Compliance team is to ensure that all products are beautifully fitted and adhere to the highest quality standards, infusing technical design, high performance fabrics & trims with the Finisterre handwriting that our customers love.

As a Garment Technologist you will report into the Head of Technical and work in a highly collaborative role working with the entire Product team, including Compliance, Product Development, Fabric, Design, and Buying & Sourcing.

We are looking for a Garment Technologist who is collectively responsible for all aspects of fit and quality assurance from proto sample through to final delivery of our menswear, womenswear and accessories ranges. This requires a thorough understanding of critical path process, vendor partnerships and the product development process for multiple product categories.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Development

• Collaborate with Design & PD teams on the development of new products across Finisterre’s range. Working across men’s, women’s and accessories categories.
• Managing select categories during development stages from proto 2 through to production.
• Initiating wearer trials and following our wearer trial guidelines on new product.
• Owning and leading fit sessions for your select categories with close support from Technical Manager.
• Managing allocated styles in PLM to update and edit comments to send to factories.

 Production

• Responsible for approving PP samples by measuring, checking BOM’s and ensuring Product “make” is in line with bulk production specs and brand and product standards.
• Send clear and concise comments to the factories, including follow up on any issues during sealing ahead of production.
• Confidently communicating via phone and videocalls with supplier partners in order to problem solve and keep up to date with Critical path.
• Pro-actively track timelines ahead of weekly critical path meetings with Buying & Sourcing team in order to highlight potential risk areas and work with other teams to find solutions to hit delivery dates.
• Follow grading rules and approve graded specs in readiness for production with suppliers.
• Help to ensure that all products perform at a very high level and are fully functional for the intended end use.

 Quality

• Analyse base and bulk test reports in line with Finisterre required standards.
• Issuing and approving wash care wording and care labels at SEALER stage.
• Build strong relationships with stores, Lived & Loved repairs and Customer Service to keep fluid communication between teams to monitor customer feedback and returns.
• Investigate returns data to limit and reduce seasonal returns %.
• Constantly risk assess throughout development to reduce faults and potential returns.
• Liaise with our warehouse partners to manage any QC communication and inspections.

 Other

• Support the Technical Manager with projects to continuously improve processes; quality and fit of products.
• Actively share knowledge, helping other team members and colleagues to build a greater understanding and awareness of product construction and fit.
• Demonstrate a keen interest in product impact along with understanding of certifications and legislations in our selling territories.
• Continuously develop your knowledge of supply chain transparency and product traceability.
• Some foreign and UK travel may be required.
• Over the next 12 months this role may encompass line management of our junior garment tech and QC team.

Requirements

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO FINISTERRE

• You will have significant experience (at least 5 years) in a similar Garment Tech focused role.
• You’ll have specialist knowledge of certain product categories that fit into Finisterre range.
• You’ll be an Expert in garment construction, pattern cutting, fit, quality, grading and wash care creation.
• You’ll possess the ability to be self-motivated and work independently, as well as work in a team, supporting the Technical Manager and Junior Garment Technologist daily.
• You’ll have excellent Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel.
• You’ll demonstrate excellent communication skills, networking and interpersonal skills. You’ll be able to communicate clearly and articulately, both in writing and verbally to colleagues at all levels, suppliers, and collaborators.
• You’ll have strong organisational skills with a thoroughness and attention to detail.
• You’ll be willing to learn and demonstrate a proactive approach to tasks and projects.
• You’ll have a positive can-do attitude, will thrive on positive change in a fast-moving environment and be able to manage yourself under pressure.
• You’ll bring passion, energy and aspiration to your work and have a strong alignment with Finisterre brand values, products and customers.
• You will constantly strive for improvements in approaches, processes & performance.
• You will possess a strong commitment to learning about the key skills, deliverables and challenges of the design process, and to delivering continuous improvement.
• You’ll have a willingness to own and drive your personal development plan and be open to asking for and accepting feedback on performance.
• Experience in or an aptitude for managing and developing teams would be advantageous.

IMPORTANT: The successful candidate must, by the start of their employment, have permission to work in the UK. Please note that Finisterre are not licensed to sponsor overseas workers.

Benefits

WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE FROM FINISTERRE

We are offering a permanent full time (37.5 hours) or part time (minimum 30 hours) contract, based at our Headquarters at Wheal Kitty, St Agnes, Cornwall.

We’ll invest in you with a competitive salary, circa £30,000 - £35,000 (FTE), depending on your skills and experience.

But it’s not just a job. At Finisterre, we provide an opportunity to grow and develop yourself within at a fast-paced, growing B Corp certified brand with a great culture and an exciting purpose. You’ll get the chance to collaborate with a diverse community of people with a shared mission. In return, we take good care of you through a range of initiatives and rewards, including:

• A discretionary bonus scheme, based on company performance
• A pension scheme with Nest
• 25 days holiday per year, plus up to 8 UK bank holidays
• Additional holidays for length of service
• Your birthday day off
• 60% product discount for personal and gift use
• 30% Friends and Family product discount
• Life assurance with access to a 24/7 employee assistance program
• Access to a wide range of wellbeing programs, including counselling services, headspace membership, eye tests, yoga, cycle to work and a range of perks
• Regular company social events
• Paid volunteering opportunities – we will support you in giving back to communities and causes
• Various discounts from our B Corp community
• Individual training and development plans
• Sea Tuesday companywide updates
• And so much more!

Finisterre is committed to building diverse and inclusive teams. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to join us and be themselves at work.

Closing date: 15 November 2024. We’ll be interviewing as we go along, so we’d encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as the role may close earlier than advertised.