Barbour South Shields, England, United Kingdom
Head of Menswear Technical
Barbour South Shields, England, United Kingdom
2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Company Description:
The Barbour story began in 1894 in South Shields in the North East of England. Founder John Barbour began supplying oilskins and other garments to protect the growing community of sailors, fishermen and dockers. Still family owned and now fifth generation, Barbour HQ remains in South Shields. Under the leadership of Chairman Dame Margaret Barbour, Barbour has grown into a lifestyle brand sold in over 55 countries worldwide including Europe, the US and Asia offering a wardrobe of stylish functional clothing, footwear and accessories inspired by the unique values of the British countryside. The iconic Barbour Bedale and Barbour Beaufort wax jackets continue to be made by hand in the factory in South Shields. In 2020, Barbour launched Wax for Life, an overarching name for all of Barbour’s wax services designed to encourage customers to extend the life of their wax garments.
Position Overview:
We currently have a rare opportunity for a Head of Technical to join our Menswear team based at Barbour House, South Shields. As the Menswear Head of Technical, you will lead the product tech teams from development through to production, ensuring all men’s apparel meets the company’s high standards for quality, durability and craftsmanship. You will oversee both Outerwear and Clothing technical teams and collaborate closely with Design, Supply Chain/QA and Suppliers to deliver market leading products that embody the Barbour brand's rich heritage, in line with commercial needs and critical path deadlines. You will be a key and valued member of the Men’s Senior Team and will be pivotal in driving our 5-year strategy in product and sourcing plans.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
* Lead and manage the Technical Managers, ensuring alignment with our standards and business objectives.
* Manage the Tech teams (Outerwear & Clothing) in all aspects of product development through to sealing samples, encouraging strong link with the Design teams and Supply Chain.
* Deliver an optimised E2E product development, sealing and fitting processes across the menswear department to ensure quality & cost is built at the early development stage.
* Implement and drive the agreed 5-year product placement plan (wax, jersey & knits).
* Develop strong partnerships with global supply chain partners both current and new, to ensure high standards and address complex development and production challenges.
* Act as the opinion leader and subject matter expert for product quality, defining & embedding technical metrics, including product performance and construction standards.
* Lead departmental / business initiatives (such as PDP and Sustainability goals), bringing energy and enthusiasm.
* Demonstrate an excellent understanding of our key markets and how the business is changing.
* Set your team clear yearly objectives, linked to the business needs and department goals.
* Oversee tech managers travel planning ensuring these are efficient and budgeted.
Skills and Experience:
* Preferred - Degree in Garment Technology/ Fashion or related equivalent.
* Experience in a similar level role.
* Outstanding understanding of Menswear apparel (fabrics, fits and competitors etc).
* Previous use of PLM system/s or similar.
* Long established experience of working with suppliers.
* Outstanding, effective problem solving and decision-making skills.
* Proactive, assertive, organised, capable of prioritising workload and able to deliver to given timelines.
* Strong people management skills – ability to lead a management team is a must.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* All-round IT skills.
* Demonstrate an understanding of the Barbour brand positioning, its heritage and competitor brands.
Additional Information:
* This role will require an extensive amount of travel both in the UK and Internationally.
* Discretionary Company bonus scheme.
* Staff shop.
* 25 days holiday as standard increasing with length of service plus bank holidays.
* Free onsite parking.
* Subsidised canteen.
Note: In the event that a sufficient volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Design
Industries
Retail Apparel and Fashion
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