Knitwear Technical Manager

Our client is a dynamic and innovative supplier specializing in premium and fashion knitwear design and development for global retailers and brands. Their focus is on innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability, offering co-creation services and seasonal design direction for their customers. As part of their growth strategy, they are seeking a full time, office based, senior Technical Manager with strong expertise in knitwear who will take responsibility for leading the end-to-end technical product development. 

Knitwear Technical Manager - The Role: 
•    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 all 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.
•    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.
•    Investigate technical root causes for customer complaints and prevent recurrence.

Knitwear Technical Manager - The Candidate:
•    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 Core Competencies
•    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.

Knitwear Technical Manager - The Package:
• Competitive salary DOE
• Excellent holidays and other benefits

Due to the anticipated interest in this role only short-listed candidates will be contacted. By applying for this role you have consented to the u&i Search GDPR policy.

Please note, this role is for permanent UK-based applicants only
Due to the anticipated interest in this role only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
By applying for this role, you will be asked to consent to the u&i Search GDPR policy.