SENIOR TECHNOLOGIST (FOOTWEAR)Fixed-Term Contract; starting Sep 2024 - 12 monthsMint Velvet began when founders Liz Houghton and Lisa Agar-Rea set out to create an unfailingly chic collection of contemporary, great quality staples and elevated fits that they felt were missing from their wardrobes. Feeling frustrated that they couldn’t find anything they wanted to wear, or the great customer service they craved, they started fusing relaxed comfort with glamorous yet wearable fashion trends. Relaxed Glamour was born.As collaborative creatives, we take untold pride in our work, designing with heart and soul. We want to be a force for good and are committed to becoming a more circular and responsible business, from the fabrics we choose to our considered processes. We are an agile and growing business, and we work hard to create an environment which allows for growth and progression, balanced with the support and flexibility needed to meet the challenge of a high-performance culture.Our leadership teams and founders sit amongst the teams and encourage a culture of balance and passion. MV is a very special place, and our values are anchored by three main pillars: people, planet, and community.If you want to join us on the next chapter of our story, you’re in the right place. This is an exciting opportunity for a Senior Footwear Technologist to join the MV Garment Tech Team of 9!Your responsibilities will includeProduct Approval ProcessManaging the fit sessions by working with Buying and Design teams to ensure excellent and consistent fit of product together with the best construction methodsRisk assessing all products from the earliest point of development, raising and resolving any identified issuesEnsuring that all fit and make comments are communicated clearly to suppliersStandardising key blocks with the support of the Buying & Design teams to increase speed & accuracy when fitting and to potentialise product performanceApproving all test reports for base and bulk materials in line with company expectations Approving all wash-care instructions for the business, ensuring suitability for product typeMaking informed, commercial decisions on failed test reports in collaboration with the Buyer and escalating, where necessary, to Technical ManagerMaintaining the PLM system with accurate and approved fibre composition, washcare and measurement detailsTravelling to factories to review manufacturing quality and ability alongside assisting with development at sourceQuality AssuranceLiaising with the QC team at the DC on a daily basis to understand and respond to quality issues they have identified, and to advise on action for future deliveries with potential issues and conducting regular visits and reviews with the Warehouse team to ensure best practice Liaising between the DC, Buying, Merchandising and Supplier when AQL check has failed: proposing appropriate action in line with critical path, advising the DC on the required action, ensuring all relevant information is recorded/communicated and that sort costs are accepted by the supplierLiaising with Customer Care department regarding customer feedback and returnsStrategically assessing the quality of products through all available data and feedback, for example, from stores, Customer Care and competitor shopping to drive continual improvement of fit and qualityHolding regular brainstorm sessions with the technical team, buying and design teams, to generate new ideas, improve product performance and standardise technical requirementsAssessing suitability of product for Mint Velvet’s international market’s presenceSupplier ManagementDeveloping strong links with the supply base ensuring a comprehensive knowledge of abilities and limitations with regard to technology and qualityWorking closely with suppliers giving them both positive and negative feedback throughout the product approval process, advising them on adherence to the Supplier Handbook and compliance with processes and standards within the MV Testing RequirementsCompleting supplier reviews on a regular basis, setting clear objectives and suggesting ways to improve performance, including product and customer feedbackSustainable SourcingSupporting on sustainable sourcing for your product area(s), in partnership with CSR, the Buyer and the DesignerPartnering with the Buying team on fabric and production methods to ensure we are always compliant and exceeding our sustainable goalsLiaising effectively with the CSR Team to ensure you are always up to speed with sustainability best practice, and ensuring that that our factories are compliant and adhering to our MV code of conductCollating and approving sustainable certification in line with the critical pathLeadership & ManagementEnsuring your team is always clear about the work to be done (delegating tasks with clear targets & timescales) and how their work fits into the bigger pictureLeading an Assistant Technologist with the right balance of support and direction in order to ensure you deliver great resultsFocusing on driving high performance, through setting SMART objectives and supporting ongoing training and development, including 1:1 coaching on the job and encouraging an ongoing transfer of knowledge & skillsConducting regular performance reviews, sharing constructive feedback, celebrating successes and managing any performance issues promptlyCreating a positive, collaborative and can-do culture where teamwork and adaptability thriveDeputising for Technical Manager, when requiredWhat we're looking forProven experience in a Technologist/Senior Technologist role specialising in FootwearThe ability to think both creatively and logically, processing information from a range of sources while keeping an eye on the bigger pictureSomeone brilliantly organised with the ability to prioritise your workload and that of your direct report, in order to get the job done to the highest standards A collaborative approach – focused on strong relationship-building and great communicationSomeone resilient to changeOpenness to constructive feedback and someone who readily offers the same to othersCourage in backing your decisions and the ability to skilfully influence others when neededA strong focus on solutions not problemsGreat commercial awareness - a level of financial understanding and numeracy as well as affinity with productPLM systems experience would be an advantageYou'll be rewarded withCompetitive starting salary and great career prospects in a fast paced and growing business25 days holiday, plus bank holidays and a day off on your birthdayCompany-funded private health insurance and access to Smart HealthLife assuranceDiscretionary bonus scheme50% staff discountInterest-free season ticket loanSummer hours - 3pm finishes every Friday throughout June, July & AugustBespoke induction support and ongoing development to help you thrive in your new roleA welcoming and inspiring work-environment - take advantage of Yoga classes, social activities, an early finish on pay day and more