Product Technologist at Ackermans

Role Summary

• We are seeking a talented Product Technologist to join our team. Your role will involve providing critical technical support by maintaining and enhancing the consistent quality of our products and processes, aligning with the company's overall product strategy.
• If you're passionate about delivering high-quality products and have a keen eye for detail, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

Key Responsibilities:

• To accurately assess products against company standards and specifications in accordance with the critical path to ensure consistent compliance across all departments and suppliers
• To research, source and assist in the development of new and existing products in accordance with company strategy
• To maintain, communicate and issue standards and product specifications
• To review and provide insights regarding necessary product specification adjustments in accordance with Company strategy

Knowledge required:

• Retail Business processes
• Relevant legislation (e.g. Country of Origin Labelling Act)
• Knowledge of SABS standards
• Supplier base knowledge
• Related services – Distribution Centers, Customer Care, Marketing, Stores, Information Technology, Shipping, and Packaging
• Understand Retail Business critical path
• Departmental (Product Technology) processes and standards
• Product Technology objectives and strategies

Skills required:

• Product development, technical design and/or pattern making
• Sound problem-solving and decision-making skills
• The ability to communicate business expectations effectively to suppliers and technical information to non-technical audiences
• Effectively represent the company to external customers, suppliers and stakeholders
• Excellent accuracy and attention to detail

Analytical skills

• Sound planning, organising & time management skills
• Good networking, interpersonal and relationship-building skills

Negotiating skills

• Good conflict management skills
• Work independently, as well as be a team player

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Experience required:

• 3 years manufacturing experience (preferably within a clothing environment) and/or sample room experience or 3 years retail experience in product technology with exposure to a broad range of clothing
• Experience working with merchandise suppliers to ensure good product quality and practices
• Experience in product fit and measuring requirements
• Experience in assessing samples and advising on fit for purpose, fit and technical outcomes
• Experience in 3D pattern design
• Outwork (printing, dye-house, fabric mill) exposure
• Experience in garment laboratory testing
• Exposure to production floor, work study and process engineering
• Exposure to textile dyeing, printing and finishing processes
• Exposure to general attachments to specialised manufacturing units
• Exposure to product washes / dyeing processes
• Exposure and/or experience in production quality auditing of textiles
• Exposure to textile development
• Exposure to automation/manufacturing machinery
• Experience in product specific manufacturing, pattern making & grading
• Exposure to pressing, ironing and fusing
• Computer literacy including programs such as Microsoft 365
• Relevant experience in production-related health and safety practices

Essential Qualifications

• Grade 12 Certificate/Matric
• National Diploma in clothing/fashion design /clothing management OR
• Bachelor's degree in Consumer Science or similar

Preferred Qualifications

• Certificate in Fibres and Fabric
• Proficient in Adobe Design Suite (Acrobat, Illustrator, In-design & Photoshop)
• Diploma/Degree in Packaging Technology from the Institute of Packaging South Africa