Product Technologist - Kuils River at Ackermans

• The purpose of the role is to provide technical support by maintaining and enhancing consistent quality of products and processes, in support of the Company's product startegy. 

Qualifications    
Essential:

• Grade 12 Certificate/Matric

Preferred:

• National Diploma in clothing/fashion design /clothing management OR
• Diploma in Textile Technology OR
• Bachelor Degree in Consumer Science (with specialisation in Clothing Management), OR

Relevant qualification in clothing/footwear management or design, preferably with the following subjects:

• Garment/Product design
• Manufacturing technology
• Garment construction and engineering
• Pattern making
• Grading
• Textiles and Leathers (Fibres & Yarns)
• Technical Drawing
• Fabric construction, characteristics of fabrics and performance
• Dyeing,Finishing and Tannery

Knowledge, Skills and Experience    
EXPERIENCE Required:
Essential:

• 3 years manufacturing experience (preferably within a clothing/footwear/textiles/homeware and essentials environment)

AND/OR

• 3 years retail experience in product technology with exposure to broad range of clothing/footwear/textiles/homeware and essential products
• Experience working with suppliers to ensure good product quality and practices
• Experience in product fit and measuring requirements
• Experience in assessing samples and advising on fit for purpose, fit and technical outcomes

Preferred:

• Exposure to production floor, work study and process engineering
• Exposure to general attachments to specialised manufacturing units
• Experience in product specific manufacturing, pattern making & grading
• Exposure to product washes/dyeing processes
• Exposure and/or experience in production quality auditing
• Exposure to general retail practises/processes
• Exposure to textile development
• Experience in hosiery and seam-free knitting processes

KNOWLEDGE Required: 
Essential:

• Relevant legislation (e.g. Country of Origin Labelling Act)
• Knowledge of SABS standards (area specific)
• Supplier base knowledge (capabilities and areas of specialisation)
• Related services – Distribution Centres, Customer Care, Marketing, Stores, Information Technology, Shipping, and Packaging

Preferred:

• Business critical path – buying cycle
• Business processes (S.O.P.’s)
• Departmental (Product technology) processes and standards
• Product Technology objectives and strategies

SKILLS Required: 

• Sound problem-solving and decision-making skills
• The ability to communicate business expectations effectively to suppliers and technical information to non-technical audiences
• Effectively represent the company to external customers, suppliers and stakeholders
• Excellent accuracy and attention to detail
• Analytical skills
• Sound planning, organising & time management skills
• Good networking, interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Negotiating skills
• Good conflict management skill

Key Responsibilities    

• To accurately assess products against company standards and specifications in accordance with the critical path to ensure consistent compliance across all departments and suppliers
• To maintain, communicate and issue standards and product specifications
• To review and provide insights regarding necessary product specification adjustments in accordance with Company strategy

Closing Date    
2023/06/09