Fit Development Specialist at Woolworths

Introduction

Drive product quality through management of the fit development process. Manage the integration between Supplier and Woolworths by setting the Framework and standards as it pertains to fit / patterns to ensure product meets aesthetic and technical expectations. Drive the creation of a future fit digital fit development process within the Fashion Beauty & Home (FBH) business.

Job description

• Contribute towards the development of the Technical Product Development Strategy ​
• Consolidate customer and store feedback, inputs from Groups, and incorporating Market Research and Competitive Analysis​
• Conduct comparative shopping to understand changes in fit engineering at our competitors. ​
• Conduct post seasonal on fit conformance, complaints and the application of blocks and pattern at the supply base ​
• Recommend relevant fit technology innovations and global best practices (e.g. CAD patterning, dummy development, new data interchange systems etc.)​
• Establish a comprehensive fit / pattern Digital Solution​

Establish Fit and Pattern Framework and Standards​

• Set the Framework and standards for WW as it pertains to fit / pattern to ensure product meets aesthetic and technical expectations (including product measuring and grade rules, model measuring standards and criteria to support dummy development, standards for body measurements and sizing, SLA to manage adherence and compliance)​

Establish a Future Fit 3D Fit Development Process

• Set up pilot project and time-lines
• Engage relevant stakeholders internally and externally
• Conduct detailed training needs analysis
• Manage resource needs and allocation
• Establish new ways of working in a 3D digital space.

Cross Function Collaboration to ensure Fabric Supply and Production​

• Collaborate with the Lead Technical Product Developers to ensure full integration between Technical Product, Fabric and Fit / Pattern Teams to successfully manage the interdependence between fabric supply and final production​.

Drive product quality through process, product and Supplier Management​

• Oversee the technical processes of articulating fit from blocks to production and monitor process compliance and product quality to ensure that products meet and exceeds the customer’s fit expectation’s​.
• Monitor Group and Departmental fit reviews. ​
• Resolve fit problems arising from raw material, product and pattern construction with Suppliers and Group Teams​
• Adherence to PLM Processes and Requirements

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Demonstrates passion and commitment for excellence, the customer, the Woolies brand, each other, transformation, Sustainability and South Africa
• Role models the Woolies Values
• Demonstrates a commitment to high performance, is delivery focused and goal driven, flexible and thrives on and responds to performance feedback.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• SELF: Understands themselves and the impact they have on the people they interact with and the organisation culture. Self-motivated.
• LEAD: Plays a leading role in driving sustainable transformational initiatives at a BU level and/or Group level
• INTERACT: Builds strong networks and strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Engages and connects people to enable delivery of the plan.
• BUSINESS: Are consistent in their decision making and owns the consequences thereof due to strong business understanding and commercial knowledge. Demonstrates attention to detail and reacts to commercial issues in the BU.
• MANAGE: Effectively manages people to execute BU strategy and operating plan. Manage delivery in a positive and consistent way that creates a challenging growth experience.

Minimum requirements

• Relevant business degree and/or diploma in Textile Technology and or Textile production and/or diploma in fashion / clothing product management
• 10 years or more years technical experience in Pattern/Fit within retail.
• Understanding of the International and South African fabric/garment/fit/category industry.
• Ability to travel both locally and internationally.

TECHNICAL & FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

• Product Knowledge​
• Fit Engineering ​
• Extensive Fit / Pattern Technology ​experience
• Knowledge and experience in 3D pattern/fit.
• Knowledge of Innovation & Sustainability processes
• Production, Process & Capacity Management​
• Quality & Risk Management​
• Project & Critical Path Management
• Continuous Improvement

BEHAVIOURAL

• Customer Centric ​
• Leadership​
• Quality Oriented​
• Analytical​
• Cross Functional Collaboration ​
• Communication​
• Problem Solving