Kate Berry and Sally Blaxall, QHQ ltd, explain the differences between supplier, retailer and manufacturers’ garment technologist roles in this helpful career guide.
“Garment Technologist jobs do vary depending on Retailer, Supplier or Manufacturers’. It’s important to think about your personal skills and areas of interest and then decide which type of technologist job would suit you best.
In general – supplier roles are more hands on, practical and creative. You are very involved with product from start to finish and you will be able to have some creative input and hands on function.
Whereas, retail roles are more strategic, particularly at senior level. They involve working closely with the buying team, providing technical expertise and knowledge.
Manufacturing is just that: offering technical expertise and knowledge to the production process.”
What does a Supplier technologist do?
Supplier garment technologists often act as a middleman between retail garment technologists and manufacturers garment technologists.
The role involves liaising with both internal and the manufacturer’s design and technical departments so you need to be a great communicator.
You will be responsible for developing the product from initial design to final sign off by the client, so if you are creative and enjoy being involved at every step from concept to product, this role could really suit you.
You will need practical skills: a thorough knowledge of blocks, pattern cutting, grading, and manufacturing techniques.
Good fitting skills are also essential. You will be preparing products for manufacturing so product and fabric testing knowledge will definitely be required.
Here’s a sample job advert for an experienced Supplier Garment Technologist: ZigZag ltd., a leading supplier of Women’s Outerwear, is looking for a Garment Technologist. The candidate will be working closely with design and production teams and will be responsible for the development of new product. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled garment tech with expertise in fit, sizing and garment construction. West London location, £35K.
Key areas of responsibility: