About Matalan
From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, find out about how Matalan is ever-evolving here.
We know as a team, we are stronger together we champion equality for all and make lasting connections that go beyond work. We thrive off our inclusive culture, encouraging our colleagues to bring their true selves to work and contributing to collective creativity, open-mindedness and growth.
We want give every candidate the opportunity to perform at their best throughout the application and interview process and then ultimately in their role. If you require any adjustments during our recruitment process, please dont hesitate to let us know.
In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.
About the role
In line with Matalans strategy of putting our customers at the heart of everything we do and in line with our ambition to be the 1st choice for value for Matalan families, you will champion our product quality and garment fit strategy across all categories. You will be responsible for setting quality standards, overseeing fit processes, managing supplier compliance, and driving continuous improvements that balance commercial efficiency with customer satisfaction.
Quality Leadership
* Define, implement and champion Matalans quality and fit strategy across apparel, footwear & accessories and homeware.
* Establish, monitor, and enforce quality standards and testing protocols in line with customer expectations and market requirements.
* Drive continuous improvement in product quality, working closely with the wider Product function.
Fit & Technical Excellence
* Set the strategic direction for product fit across all categories, leading the definition of brand-wide sizing standards and fit blocks to ensure consistent, customer-centric sizing across ranges.
* Oversee fit sessions at a senior level, ensuring consistency, technical excellence, and alignment with customer expectations, while influencing design, buying and sourcing decision to deliver a cohesive and competitive fit strategy.
Supplier & Factory Engagement
* Shape the global supplier quality strategy in partnership with Sourcing & Supply Chain leadership, ensuring all partners are aligned with brand standards and driving accountability through robust compliance frameworks.
* Build strategic partnerships with key factories to elevate technical capabilities, embedding long-term improvement that enhance product quality, reduce returns and unlock greater efficiency across the supply base.
* Set the vision for vendor development, leading initiatives that build technical excellence, embed best practice, and create a culture of quality and consistency across the entire supplier network.
Customer & Commercial Focus
* Create a data driven culture, empowering teams to use customer feedback, returns analysis, and market insights to drive improvements in fit and quality.
* Balance speed-to-market and cost-efficiency with maintaining product integrity and value.
* Collaborate with Heads of Buying and Merchandising to deliver commercially relevant, high-quality ranges.
Team Leadership & Development
* Continuously looking at how to improve ways of working to ensure that the Matalan Tech team have a best in class reputation both internally and externally.
* Representing the Tech team within the wider Trading function. Focusing on ensuring that all are clear on the role of the team and the part they play in delivering the Matalan business strategy.
Creating an environment for the Tech team where:
* Colleagues feel included and engaged in what is happening at Matalan as well as within the Tech team.
* There are clear communication channels and regular touch points in place at an individual and team level.
* Each colleague is clear in their role and the part they play in delivering the overall team strategy and KPIs. Everyone can develop their skills and capabilities and see opportunities for personal growth.
About You
* Proven experience in a senior Quality / Technical / Fit role within omnichannel fashion & homeware retail, ideally value or volume-driven.
* Strong technical knowledge across multiple product categories (womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, accessories, footwear).
* Expertise in garment construction, grading, sizing, and testing standards.
* Experience managing supplier relationships and factory audits across global sourcing regions.
* Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret returns data and customer insights into actionable improvements.
* Commercially astute, with the ability to balance quality with value and speed-to-market.
* Proven people leadership experience, with the ability to inspire, develop, and lead high-performing technical and quality teams across multiple regions.
Benefits
In addition to competitive salaries, we also offer the below core benefits:
* 20% staff discount, which increases with length of service
* Thrive Recognition Scheme
* Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust
* Life Assurance
* Retail Rewards platform offering discounts for other retailers
* Pension Scheme
* Access to a wide range of career development
* Additional benefits may apply depending on your role and area of the business
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