Join Our Technical & Quality Team based in Standfast & Barracks in Lancaster as Product Development & Innovation Technician
Are you passionate about textiles, materials science, and sustainable innovation? We’re looking for a hands-on, detail-oriented individual to support our Innovation & Development plans in the testing, development, and implementation of new fabrics, finishes, and technologies. In this dynamic role, you’ll play a key part in ensuring our latest fabric innovations meet the highest standards of quality, performance, and design. Working closely with cross-functional teams—including Technical, Sustainability, Design, and Production—you’ll help drive exciting projects from concept to reality. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, love learning about new materials, and are eager to make a real impact in the world of textiles, we’d love to hear from you!
We are a collective of six luxury interior brands, each with a special role to play, and two manufacturing brands Anstey Wallpaper Company and Standfast & Barracks. At Sanderson Design Group we are Sanderson, Morris & Co., Zoffany, Harlequin, Clarke & Clarke and Scion. Our purpose is ‘to bring the beautiful into people’s homes and lives’.
Key Responsibilities
Fabric Innovation & Development
* Support development trials of new fabrics and finishes, including sample preparation and testing.
* Conduct physical and aesthetic assessments (e.g., handle, drape, printability, shrinkage, colorfastness).
* Record, organise, and communicate test results, ensuring full traceability of data.
* Support sourcing of new raw materials, including supplier contact, data collection, and evaluation.
* Assist with creating and updating technical specifications for new fabrics and finishes.
* Coordinate with suppliers and internal teams to gather technical documentation and certifications (e.g., composition, sustainability credentials).
* Support the introduction of new substrates, ensuring they meet all testing and performance standards.
* Maintain awareness of industry innovations in textiles, materials, and sustainable technologies.
Process and System Support
* Support implementation of new processes and workflows within the stage-gate innovation framework.
* Ensure all fabric innovation projects are correctly logged, documented, and progressed through development stages.
* Assist with system updates, record-keeping, and documentation management related to new product development.
* Support alignment of new developments with quality and compliance standards.
* Maintain tidy, well-organised development archives and raw material storage.
Testing and Quality Support
* Support internal and external testing programmes for new developments.
* Ensure all test samples are correctly labelled, stored, and documented.
* Track testing progress and compile reports for sign-off.
* Assist with technical investigations relating to fabric performance or process issues.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Work closely with the Technical & Quality, Design, Sustainability and Production teams to ensure successful development and transition of new products.
* Communicate testing outcomes and material performance feedback clearly and promptly.
* Support project meetings and contribute to discussions on technical feasibility and innovation opportunities
Measures of Success
Success in this role will be demonstrated by:
* Accurate and up-to-date documentation of all trials, tests, and developments.
* Effective support of new material trials, with results communicated clearly and on time.
* Fabric samples and archives are organised, traceable, and compliant.
* Smooth progression of fabric innovations through the stage-gate process.
* Positive feedback from cross-functional teams on communication and reliability.
Experience & Skills
Essential:
* Degree or equivalent in Textile Technology, Textile Science, or related discipline.
* Experience in a technical, textile development, or materials testing role (e.g., textiles, fashion, home furnishings, or print).
* Basic understanding of fabric types, properties, and testing methods.
* Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
* Confident with data handling, record-keeping, and reporting.
* Good communication skills and ability to work with multiple departments.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
* Passion for textiles, materials, and innovation.
Desirable:
* Masters of Textile Sustainability and Innovation
* Knowledge of textile printing and finishing processes.
* Experience with product or process trials in a manufacturing environment.
* Understanding of sustainability principles and fabric certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX, GOTS, REACH).
* Experience supporting stage-gate or structured development processes.
* Familiarity with quality systems or technical documentation.
About us
Sanderson Design Group is an international luxury interior furnishings company that designs, manufactures and markets wallpapers and fabrics together with a wide range of ancillary interior products.
In 2020, we brought our portfolio of brands home to Sanderson Design Group, evoking the combined longevity and prodigious creative history of our brands. Sanderson Design Group describes the ebullience of our past endeavors. It sketches the outline of our future. A collective of quintessentially British luxury interior brands and 2 manufacturing brands, at Sanderson Design Group we are Sanderson, Morris & Co., Zoffany, Harlequin, Clarke & Clarke, Scion, Anstey Wallpaper Company and Standfast & Barracks.
Our purpose is "To bring the Beautiful into People’s Homes and Lives". This has defined and shaped our brands since our very earliest days. The oldest brand in our arsenal, from where we derive the namesake of our group, begun life in 1860, as an importer of fine French wallpapers to London. Arthur Sanderson & Sons Ltd played a pivotal role in defining English interior decoration tastes and its early success led to displaying designs at London’s finest showroom, at Berners Street. Around this time in 1924, Arthur Sanderson & Sons Ltd were awarded The Royal Warrant, becoming “purveyors of wallpaper and paint” to the court of George V.
We recognise that each one of our brands contributes a unique chapter to our story. It is why we represent the full spectrum of British interior design, catering from cutting-edge sleek modern styles, to the hearty warmth of traditional forms. Our decision to rebrand as Sanderson Design Group in 2020 is our way of paying homage to our rich history, as well as marking our path towards a new future. As custodians of over 160 years of design experience, we are proud to Bring the Beautiful into People’s Homes and Lives. We are Sanderson Design Group.