Fabric Technologist Department: Garment Tech Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time Location: Hybrid Description We're a much-loved brand with an exciting future. Our Islanders are a diverse bunch of bright, talented people who love working together - and are proud of the work they do. Progression here can take you in all kinds of directions. This is what a career at River Island is like. And this is where yours starts. What We Are Looking For Job Purpose: The technical department at River Island supports the buying, design, and sourcing teams to ensure product is delivered in line with our brand strategy and values. The Fabric Technologist supports the tech team on business wide Fabric related matters. Is responsible for supporting the Fabric Sourcing team with the management of all technical aspects of fabric purchased - from development through to delivery - ensuring compliance with River Island requirements and an efficient process to support the needs of the Critical Path. Key Accountabilities: Provides technical support/approval of HP Fabrics, ensure delivery is compliant to all RI standards (quality, performance and compliance) Approval of test reports and Certificates of Compliance in line with our performance standards and requirements. Workload managed according to pre-determined ways of working and KPI's of right first time, and in line with the critical path Establish effective Supplier relationships to encourage understanding of and commitment to River Island ways of working and quality standards. Develop suppliers to take accountability for management of RI processes Working closely with the fabric sourcing team to resolve any issues promptly and effectively Escalates major issues to the Fabric manager for further investigation. Solutions / support. Maintains an awareness of current and future fabric trends. Regularly reviews fabric related returns, customer and retail feedback and identifies opportunities for improvement (particularly running qualities) Identifying and discussing challenging fabrics with Fabric manager (weekly) Maintain a knowledge of current and changing global legislation Sustainability - support the Sustainability team in achieving their objectives Support the ethical team in achieving their objectives Key Experience Required: Strong interest in product and the River Island brand is essential Previous experience in a Retail or Manufacturing Technical environment is an advantage. Ideally has experience communicating with suppliers This role requires previous experience at Fabric Tech level Understanding of fabrics and their processes of manufacture Previous experience demonstrating a good knowledge and understanding of testing and test result interpretation. Basic understanding of product compliance Understanding of sustainable fabrics and processes Microsoft office skills Job role competencies: Self-starter Agility and ability to absorb change in line with business priorities Highly organised, able to prioritise Disciplined and conscientious, results oriented Strong Excel skills essential Good verbal and numerical reasoning skills Good problem-solving skills Excellent communication skills (including when communicating with those who don't have English as a first language.) Collaborative and builds good relations with peers/ stakeholders Positive influencing skills This Is For You Discount - Generous 50% staff discount so you can treat yourself & a bargain staff shop, all onsite RI Rewards - Reducing Islanders everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway Island culture - We have a free onsite gym, subsidised restaurant & café & various social events throughout the year. We also work closely with the Retail Trust to create dedicated support for all our Islanders Work that stays at work - Flexible working is a given, on top of payday early finishes and Summer Fridays Family Hub - Every family is unique, we support Islanders with all different family setups enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption & fertility treatment Giver Island - Give as you earn scheme, a 'Giver Island' day each year and matched funding Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on the job training and qualifications Pension - A contributory private pension scheme Bonus - A generous bonus scheme Holiday - 25 days paid holiday, exclusive of Bank Holidays. With the added option to purchase additional holiday for whatever the need We mentioned the discount, right? Keeping You Safe At River Island we are committed to the safeguarding of all of our employees regardless of age or job role. We will fulfil our obligation under the Prevent duty which seeks to stop extremism and extremist views from materialising in our business. We promote and encourage the belief in British Values- including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. To find out more, please visit www.gov.uk Every Islander Counts Our Island is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.