Denim Lab – Wet Processing Technician

We have an exciting opportunity in the TFG Design & Manufacturing Division for our newly formed TFG Denim & Speciality Division! If your blood is Blue and you have a passion for Denim and you are seeking to make a difference in the South African Manufacturing landscape within Denim, then this is the Position for you! We are all about creating jobs in South Africa. The TFG Denim Design Division is Designing & product developing denim for all of the TFG Brands.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for all wet processes within the lab for Design Centre that services the Entire TFG Group for denim.
2. Responsible for coming up with recipes & executing real denim samples in line with designs created by the designers.
3. Understanding of how to manage ozone, washing machines & spraying technology and how to apply the design to get the real effect on the garments.
4. Ability to create tinting & a range of fashion wash effects.
5. Work with dry technician to come up with recipes for finishing to execute design teams’ requirements.
6. Work extensively on-site and off-site with strategic suppliers to develop recipes & product development samples for bulk execution.
7. Collaborate with design team to product develop new techniques for the upcoming season.
8. Collaborate to scale lab recipes to bulk wash plant.
9. Responsible for Product development of wash libraries & seasonal Wash developments as well as any wet processing techniques.
10. Collaborate closely with buying and design denim teams to ensure strategic objectives are met within the designated timelines.
11. Manage own KPI’s in line with the team & group KPI’s.
12. Engage directly with suppliers to develop and execute improvement plans and troubleshoot issues in real-time.
13. Work within QR timelines to execute samples for each division capsule showings.
14. Constantly work on innovations in wet processing & research new techniques that are both cost-effective & in line with forward trend.

Qualifications and Experience:

1. National Diploma in Clothing Management or Clothing Production or Fashion Design is essential.
2. MDP or SMDP (Management Development Programme) like qualification is desirable.
3. Minimum of 5 years of experience within retail, manufacturing, supply chain and sourcing.
4. In-depth knowledge of design, product development, manufacturing processes.
5. Familiarity with the denim industry and its specific challenges and opportunities.
6. Proven experience in a similar role, with a strong track record of design, product development, improving supplier performance and achieving cost reductions.
7. Minimum 5 Years Experience in a Denim Finishing role, preferably in the new sustainable technology, like Jeanologia for Denim.

Skills:

1. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to influence suppliers, designers, buyers, and planners and foster strong strategic partnerships.
2. Strong analytical skills and understanding of chemicals and their application and usage in washing environments to achieve sustainable washing methods.
3. Strong understanding of chemicals & sustainable washing practices.
4. Open to feedback & continuous improvement.
5. Teamwork – Drive & foster collaboration with design & buying teams.

Behaviours:

1. Readily takes on new challenges and opportunities with a sense of urgency and eagerness.
2. Effectively considers the diverse needs of various stakeholders.
3. Establishes and nurtures internal and external relationships in order to create robust, and mutually beneficial, partnerships.
4. Applies market and business insights in order to drive organisational objectives.
5. Effectively works with others to achieve shared goals.
6. Conveys information and communicates ideas in a clear, concise and impactful manner.
7. Confronts and tackles challenging situations with courage.
8. Creates an environment that fosters and nurtures a culture of creativity which drives success.
9. Understands, anticipates, and meets the needs and expectations of customers.
10. Consistently makes timely, well-rounded and informed decisions.
11. Accurately perceives and reflects on personal strengths and areas of development.
12. Takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets.
13. Inspires trust and gains the confidence of others by displaying honesty and integrity.
14. Openly engages and interacts with others, builds rapport, and establishes positive relationships.
15. Adapts effectively to situations that are complex, uncertain, or lack guidelines and clear information.
16. Interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems.
17. Effectively navigates and resolves conflict and disagreements in a constructive and productive manner.
18. Quickly adapts and acquires new knowledge, skills, and competencies in a rapidly changing environment.
19. Assesses and improves the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of various work processes.
20. Understands and navigates dynamics created by processes, systems, and people.
21. Effectively influences others by gaining support and commitment in the delivery of organisational goals and objectives.
22. Develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectives.
23. Effectively and creatively uses available resources to overcome challenges, solve problems, and achieve desired outcomes.
24. Effectively adjusts their behaviour, approach, and decision-making based on the situation.

Preference will be given, but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.