Lead Technical Product Developer: Lingerie at Woolworths

Introduction

• Implement the integrated Sourcing & Production strategy within the framework of the Product Group strategy. Lead and inspire the team to deliver products that exceeds customer expectations of quality, innovation, value and sustainability. Own and lead the product development critical path to ensure key milestone dates are met.

Job description

• Contribute to Product Development and ensure Technical Product Delivery in line with product aesthetic and technical requirements​
• Lead product innovation efforts to achieve innovation and sustainability targets​
• Collaborate with Heads of Planning, Buying and Design and ensure Technical Product Development Team participates as a member of the “Quad” from idea to product developed​
• Collaborate with the Fabric and Pattern Managers to ensure full integration between Technical Product, Fabric and Fit / Pattern Teams to successfully manage the interdependence between fabric supply and final production​
• Resolve any issues related to sampling and technical assessment processes​
• Ensure that Tech Packs are developed and handed over in time with all inputs incorporated in line with the required standards​
• Oversee quotes requested from preferred Suppliers (for newness only including changes to carryover) as part of the technical product development process ​
• Attend monthly trend and design updates and support Buying and Design to develop new products in-season ​

Critical Path Lead Time Management​

• Drive project management of the Critical Path across Departments​
• Ensure tech pack handover dates to sourcing is met and escalate deviations where relevant.
• Ensure alignment to Critical Path calendar and key dates, and troubleshoot any issues with regards to Critical Path Lead Times to address with Heads of Planning, Buying, Design​ and sourcing specialists.
• Identify opportunities to improve lead times, and partner with Buying to implement​

Product Quality and Compliance​

•  Monitor product quality and compliance to control processes (incl. customer, store, Supplier and QIMAOne trends), raise deviations and mitigate issues with Suppliers and Planning and Buying Teams
• Drive compliance with PLM processes and requirements across Departments

Minimum requirements

• Relevant business qualification in Textile Technology and or Textile production and/or fashion/clothing product management
• 8 years or more technical experience in retail and/or manufacturing is essential
• Understanding of the International and South African fabric/garment/fit/category industr
• Ability to travel both locally and internationally
• Product Knowledge​
• Technical Product Development
• Sample Management ​
• Supplier Management ​
• Quality & Risk Management​
• Project & Critical Path Management Customer Centric ​
• Leadership​
• Data Driven Decision Making​
• Results Orientated ​
• Cross Functional & Supplier Collaboration ​
• Communication