Company Description
Scruffs Workwear Ltd has spent over two decades crafting workwear trusted by tradespeople. Collaborating with a dedicated team of 260 wear-trialists, the brand places tradespeople at the heart of its design and testing processes to ensure the highest standards of performance, comfort, and durability. Each product undergoes rigorous testing, with some items reaching up to 1,600 hours of wear trials before launch. By emphasizing reliability, quality, and feedback-driven innovation, Scruffs delivers workwear that professionals can count on.
Role Description
The Garment Technologist will play a key role in ensuring that all Scruffs garments are developed to a high technical standard, are fit for purpose within the workwear environment, and meet all quality, testing and compliance requirements. This role is hands-on and detail driven. You will manage garment specifications from initial concept through to bulk production, ensuring sample accuracy, consistent fit, fabric performance and technical compliance across the range. You will work closely with Category, Design, Supply Chain, Sales and external factories to deliver durable, commercially strong products on time and right first time.
Contract: Part time, with working hours to be agreed.
Product Development & Technical Management
* Create, update and maintain detailed technical specifications and tech packs for all new styles.
* Develop and manage accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs), construction details and grading specifications.
* Issue clear and commercially viable tech packs to factories and manage technical queries.
* Manage all sampling stages including Proto, SMS, Size Set and Gold Seal samples.
* Review, measure and approve samples against specification, construction and fit standards.
* Lead and coordinate fit sessions, documenting clear, actionable comments for factories.
* Ensure garments are fit for purpose within a trade environment, considering durability, reinforcement, stretch performance, wash stability and comfort.
* Maintain and manage the critical path from development through to production.
Fabric, Testing & Performance
* Review and approve base and bulk fabric and trim test reports.
* Validate historical test data and ensure suitability for workwear applications.
* Work with external test houses to ensure testing is completed in line with performance and safety standards.
* Assess test results and recommend corrective action where required.
* Ensure consistency of fabric performance across repeat styles and seasonal developments.
Quality Assurance
* Approve bulk production samples and pre-shipment inspections.
* Resolve technical and quality queries relating to existing products.
* Analyse returns and product feedback to identify recurring issues and drive improvements.
* Continuously improve consistency of specifications, grading and construction standards across the range.
Wearer Trials & Product Feedback
* Manage the wearer trial programme from recruitment to reporting.
* Coordinate wearer trial allocation, surveys and feedback collection.
* Analyse feedback and translate findings into technical improvements.
* Maintain wearer trial database in line with GDPR requirements.
Sample & File Management
* Manage development samples, sales samples, marketing samples and wearer trial stock.
* Ensure structured filing of all technical documentation, test reports and approvals.
* Maintain digital and physical sample libraries.
Required Skills:
* Proven experience in a Garment Technologist or Technical Product Development role, ideally within workwear, outdoor or performance apparel.
* Strong understanding of garment construction, grading and fit.
* Solid knowledge of fabrics, performance testing and interpretation of lab reports.
* Experience managing sampling from concept to bulk approval.
* Understanding of durability requirements within trade or industrial garments.
* Familiarity with relevant garment compliance requirements.
* Strong critical path management skills.
* Excellent attention to detail and organisational ability.
* Confident communicator, able to work with factories and internal stakeholders.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. Adobe Illustrator experience beneficial.
Schedule
Part time: 3-4 days, working pattern to be agreed with the successful candidate
Job Type: Part-time, office based
Benefits
Company pension.
Life protection benefits.
Optional holiday purchase scheme.
Employee discount.