Technical Manager
hace 2 días
Leicestershire
This is a great opportunity to join an established supplier and a growing business that continues to go from strength to strength. We are seeking an experienced professional to lead and oversee the end-to-end technical product development of sweaters and knitwear product, ensuring products are developed right first time, are technically feasible, cost-effective, and fully compliant with customer requirements. The role is responsible for driving early-stage technical decision-making, risk assessment, and data accuracy to minimise rework, reduce sample iterations, and ensure a smooth transition from product development into bulk production. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Leicestershire. Technical Manager - Product Development Key Responsibilities • Lead technical development from tech-pack review through swatch, trial, fit, PPS, and bulk handover, • Conduct all technical meetings including tech-pack review, risk assessment, and trial reviews, • .Ensure development decisions are documented, communicated, and implemented accurately, • .Own and govern PDRA / Risk Assessment processes, • .Ensure risks related to product safety, yarn, construction, fit, testing, production feasibility, machinery, and attachments are identified and closed, • .Escalate high-complexity styles for customer or external risk reviews when required, • .Act as the technical authority on: Yarn properties and behaviour, Gauge and stitch structures, Knit-downs, tension, shrinkage, and dimensional stability, Linking, assembly, and finishing impacts, • .Ensure all developments are scalable and production-feasible, • .Lead all fit sessions and technical approvals, • .Approve proto, fit, size set, and PPS samples, • .Ensure fit, construction, comfort, and aesthetics meet customer standards, • .Ensure 100% accuracy of technical data including measurements, grading, SMV, yarn consumption, and risk records, • .Maintain version control and timely updates in PLM / Caspio / customer portals, • .Ensure no style moves to the next milestone without validated technical data, • .Work closely with Programming (Shima / Stoll), QA, IE, Merchandising, SCM, Lab, and Operations, • .Align technical decisions with costing, capacity, and delivery requirements, • .Support buyers and customers with clear technical communication, • .Lead, coach, and mentor the PD technical team, • .Conduct performance monitoring, coaching, and annual appraisals, • .Build technical capability and second-line leadership within PD, • .Ensure product quality, testing compliance, and technical safety standards are met, • .Maintain 5S, housekeeping, and workplace safety standards, • .Investigate technical root causes for customer complaints and prevent recurrence . Technical Manager - Product Development - The person • -Bachelor’s Degree in Textile Engineering or related discipline, • Minimum 10 years in sweater/knitwear manufacturing, • Strong background in product development and technical leadership, • Experience managing multi-disciplinary technical teams, • Knitwear construction and development expertise, • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, • Excellent communication and stakeholder management, • High attention to detail and data discipline, • Ability to lead under pressure