Triple Wimbledon champion Fred Perry founded his brand in 1952. He was the son of a cotton spinner who played and fought his way through, always with style—and despite the establishment. Today, Fred Perry is a global community of over 370 employees, all inspired by the Laurel Wreath and what it represents.
PURPOSE:
This position is within the Quality Department, reporting into the Technical Manager Apparel.
*Please note that this role for short term cover, approx. 4 months*
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Using technical expertise to collaborate with PD and Design to pro-actively influence decision-making at the earliest stages of product concept and subsequently assessing the relevant samples.
* Managing block library—development of new specs when required while maintaining consistency of fit.
* Ensuring master brand standards for colours, embroidery, and constructions are aligned across the supply base.
* Reviewing all bulk lab dips and accurately communicating colour feedback to ensure consistency and continuity across the range and supply base.
* Advising key component and construction detailing to design/development packs to facilitate production of prototype samples.
* Maintaining accurate product packages across the menswear team, setting up initial prototype packs, and fitting through all stages of development in collaboration with design and PD.
* Full ownership of product from SMS stage to bulk production, fitting and approval of graded size charts for production, approving all fabric and trim testing.
* Updating tech packs with comprehensive fit comments, construction comments, and providing technical instructions to the supply base.
* Driving the culture of transparency in all we do both internally and externally
* Assessment, risk analysis, and management of all potential new fabric and trim developments, as well as bulk fabric, prints, and trims, managing and influencing suitability and compatibility.
* Reviewing base and bulk test reports of all fabrics and trims and maintaining legal and accurate fibre analysis for care labels.
* Liaising with suppliers and factories during production to ensure technical issues are supported by the team with clear and timely decisions to ensure shipment dates are achieved.
* Assessing production/shipment samples meet all quality, labelling, and packaging requirements. Assessing final AQL inspection reports, liaising with the production department to facilitate the maintenance of required ex-factory dates.
* Working closely with the product development teams to review responsible fabrics and trims, advising any certification needed, and maintaining accurate validity of all certificates for recycled fabrics.
THE PERSON:
* Strong technical knowledge of construction and manufacture across a wide range of products.
* Extensive knowledge of fitting, grading and construction.
* Highly skilled in the development and production of knitted garments.
* Able to successfully manage both the consistency of continuity items as well as the unique requirements of high-profile on-off capsules.
* The ability to effectively collaborate and communicate across internal departments and external sources, both verbally and in writing, to the highest level of the businesses.
* Extensive knowledge of lab testing, commercial assessment of results, and the ability to manage external laboratory partnerships.
* Responsible sourcing: knowledge of certifications, standards, production, and finishing
* Understanding of fabric, trim development in line brand commitments to responsibility and strategy, quality, and colour.
* The ability to work in a structured and timely manner under pressure within a team environment.
* Motivated to improve the product at every stage, striving for the highest achievable quality through implementation of the most effective processes.
* The skills to manage and motivate direct reports and guide other members of the team to take ownership and deliver to the highest standard within their categories.
* Utilisation of product feedback from a number of sources to influence continuous product improvements.
* Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams (knowledge of Adobe Illustrator).
* Experience of PLM and Interlink systems.
HOURS:
We actively encourage our teams to have a good work/life balance, and so we are pleased to offer flexible working shifts at Fred Perry HQ. Our core shift hours are from 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., so employees can choose to start and finish early or start and finish late. (i.e., work 8:00am-4:30pm, or 10:00am-6:30pm, etc.). We also have 30-minute early finishes on Fridays.
As we continue to work in a more flexible way, the head office acts as a brand hub, where we can all connect and collaborate with one another. This role is a mix of office-based (London) and remote working. We will expect the employee to come into the office regularly for face-to-face meetings and to work alongside their team on collaborative projects.
BENEFITS:
We are proud to offer a wide range of benefits to all our staff and continue to reassess what our community needs from us to thrive. We don’t want to be a good company to work for; we want to be a great one. Here are some things we currently offer:
* Annual performance-related bonus
* Competitive salary, reviewed every year
* Generous staff discount and regular sample sales
* Generous pension scheme with 8.5% company contribution
* Option to buy an extra 5-day holiday annually
* Enhanced maternity and paternity packages
* Life insurance
* Private healthcare
* Cycle to work scheme
* Early finish Fridays
* Season ticket loan
* 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
* Annual birthday vouchers
* Regular opportunities to attend gigs or events
We actively welcome applications from people of all different backgrounds. Your CV will be submitted to hiring managers with all personal details hidden to ensure anonymity.