Technical Specialist - Denim

About the role:

TFG Design and Manufacturing are forming a New Denim Design & Merchandising Team that will be supplying the entire group with a local QR opportunity for denim on a very fast lead time as well as a research & product development focus. As part of forming this team we require a Denim Technical Specialist.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work extensively on-site with strategic factories as well as denim pattern design & designers to ensure patterns are constructed in the best practice way according to cmt’s requirements as well as fabric shrinkage after wash.
• Collaborate closely with Denim Technical Expert and Lab Manager as well as Raw Material Merchandisers to understand fabric shrinkage by quality and build shrinkage templates by fabric for pattern design teams to use when doing patterns.
• Ensure that Pattern Design Team’s Skills are constantly monitored & improved, by putting a skills matrix in place and ensuring that team is trained with required skillset so that all pattern designers are versatile in all commodities & lifestyles.
• Ensure Pattern Design Team provides an even flow of work to sample set & sample bags and grading is done in alignment with critical path so that samples can be doen in a flow, through denim lab as well as outside suppliers.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure continuous improvement in supplier performance and alignment with company goals.
• Engage directly with factories to develop and execute improvement plans and troubleshoot issues in real-time.
• Serve as a liaison between factories and internal teams, facilitating effective communication and partnership.
• Responsible for Driving Team Patternmaking & Grading Processes for within the denim Pattern Making Team. Managing & leading the team to drive Lean Speed Leadtimes,
• Setting Up grade rules in the Centric System by retailer & product type in Denim.
• Responsible for constantly researching & driving innovation with the design & lab teams, to ensure we execute the best fitting denim for group. Working with suppliers to understand what construction methods are most optimal to achieve the desired garment construction, while balancing efficiencies at factory level.
• Managing Product Development Patterns for not only D&M Factories for denim, but also performing this function for Group Denim Product Development Initiative.
• Human Resource management of staff performed to ensure effective team dynamics and individual performance is achieved and Talent is developed & nurtured.

Qualifications and Experience:

• National Diploma in Clothing Management or Clothing Production or Fashion Design
• National Diploma in Clothing Management or Clothing Production or Fashion Design
• MDP or SMDP (Management Development Programme) like qualification would be advantageous.
• 5-10 years experience as Pattern Designer/Grader on Lectra or similar system.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience within retail, manufacturing, supply chain.
• In-depth knowledge of design, product development, manufacturing processes, sourcing strategies, and retail dynamics.
• Minimum 3-5 years experience within the denim industry and its specific challenges and opportunities.
• Proven experience in a similar role, with a strong track record of design, product development, improving supplier performance and achieving cost reductions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to influence suppliers, buyers, and technologists and foster strong strategic partnerships.

Behaviours for Success:

• Develops and leads a group of individuals toward the achievement of a common team objective .
• Applies market and business insights in order to drive organisational objectives.
• Conveys information and communicates ideas in a clear, concise and impactful manner.
• Creates an environment that fosters and nurtures a culture of creativity which drives success.
• Consistently makes timely, well-rounded and informed decisions.
• Understands and navigates dynamics created by processes, systems, and people.
• Takes focused action to achieve desired outcomes to deliver results.
• Takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets.
• Interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems.
• Assesses and improves the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of various work processes.
• Develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectives.

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