Textile Development Technologist: Textiles, Materials & Substrates - Kuils River at Ackermans

• We are looking for a resilient, efficient, and driven individual who can provide technical support by researching, sourcing, and developing consistent quality of textiles, material and substrate products and maintain and enhance business processes, in support of the Company’s product strategy.

Qualifications    
Essential:

• A Grade 12 Certificate/Matric

Preferred:

• Diploma in Textile Technology OR
• Bachelor’s Degree with specialisation in textiles OR
• Relevant qualification in clothing management or fashion design, preferably with the following subjects:
• Fabric construction, characteristics of fabrics and performance
• Dyeing & Finishing
• Certificate in Fibres, Polymers and Fabrics
• Certificate in Colour Technology
• Certificate in woven, non-woven and knitted fabrics
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience    
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:

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

SKILLS required: 

• Excellent command of the English language
• Sound problem-solving and decision-making skills
• The ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, business expectations to suppliers; technical information to non-technical audiences and effectively represent the company to external customers, suppliers and stakeholders
• Excellent accuracy and attention to detail
• Negotiating skills
• Decision-making and problem solving skills
• Analytical skills
• Good interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Sound planning, organising & time management skills
• Good conflict management skills
• Networking skills (multi-product) & the ability to be resourceful

The ability to:

• Be assertive
• Be creative and innovative
• Multitask
• Work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Be self-motivated
• Work independently, as well as be a team player
• Computer literacy
• Systems skills (such as Centric, PLM or any relevant buying process management system, including 3D engineering)
• Coaching & mentoring skills

Key Responsibilities    

To research, source and develop new and existing textiles, materials, and substrates in accordance with Company strategy.

• To compile and issue textile, materials and substrate standards and specifications.
• To implement standards and specifications in accordance with the critical path to ensure consistent compliance across all departments and suppliers.
• To source new and develop existing textile, materials and substrate suppliers locally and abroad in accordance with Company strategy.
• To source and on-board suitable (local and international) testing facilities and to maintain service level agreements.
• To develop and maintain the physical and digital textiles, materials & substrates libraries.

Closing Date    
2023/07/17