Senior Apparel Technologist at TFG (The Foschini Group)

Key Responsibilities:

Sample Development and Approval:

• To provide technical support to buyers and suppliers as necessary.
• Manage the specific area’s sample approval process within SLA.

Fabric and Material Analysis:

• Fabric testing outcome input to ensure ultimate customer satisfaction.

Quality Control:

• Review of failed inspection reports and manage final outcome discussions.
• Ensure import orders are released on the Shipping system.
• Collaborate with Quality inspectors as required on final inspection failures where commercial decisions may be required.

Supplier Relationship:

• Work closely with suppliers to communicate technical requirements and address any production challenges.
• Provide technical support and training to high-risk suppliers to ensure adherence to quality standards.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of sample performance, textile testing results, and quality control outcomes on TFG’s systems.
• Support management with style specific information to improve high risk supplier quality performance.

Innovation and Improvement:

• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and new materials to drive innovation and improvement.
• Facilitate Seasonal Fit Workshops and Material Best practices to be researched and presented to relevant stakeholders
• To conduct Product Benchmarking as required by the relevant Brand.

Post-production

• To regularly monitor the quality standards of delivered goods to stores, customer returns & the quality standards of product within the stores of our major competitors 
• Answer and follow up customer complaints regarding quality and undertake relevant investigation as required. 
• To manage the stores returns process when technical input is required

Qualifications & Experience:

• A minimum of 8 to 10+ year experience in the retail or apparel manufacturing environment
• Must have a relevant technical apparel related qualification (Degree/ Diploma)
• Must have a keen interest in retail, apparel and quality assurance