Accessories and Footwear Technologist

Reporting to the QA Clothing Technical Manager, as the Accessories and Footwear Technologist, you will assist delivery of the departments KPI's and strategy. You will be required to support drive operational efficiencies on the Department and be proactive with ideas for improvements in process.

They will ensure that:

• initial designs and concepts are translated into workable briefs for suppliers to interpret effectively


• products are manufactured and delivered to TWC required quality standards and size specifications


• product is compliant to UK, EU and Global import/export legislation


What you'll be doing:

• To ensure the construction methods are maintained to comply with the brands high standards.


• Leading the product reviews


• Measuring and typing comments in excel.


• Discuss risk assessments at proto stage regularly with the Supplier, Designer and Buyer as necessary.


• Monitor product returns and customer complaints and report to QA Technical Manager and Senior leadership


• Attend weekly Critical Path meetings with B&M to ensure information is updated and on track.


• Filing technical specifications, reviews, test reports and collate required certifications for product compliance and sustainability claims.


• Ensuring relevant correspondence are linked to product so that traceability exists, demonstrating due diligence.


• Approve care labelling and testing requirements as well as communicate decisions to the supplier.


• Ensure all products comply with international testing and trading regulations, non-compliances must be flagged.


• Report on quality issues in accordance with product approval processes, test results and tolerance levels. Ensure non-compliances are relayed for appropriate management decision and advise appropriate stakeholders of potential issues.


• Ensure production samples are approved with appropriate reference samples and briefs.


• Carry out regular store visits to report on quality standards and to examine competitors.


• Product data input on the required systems.


• Complete seasonal product reports for senior leadership meetings.


• Support other departments when cover is needed.


• Where necessary go on trips with the Buyer and/or Designer to suppliers around the world.


• Liaise with DC QC team to ensure that products are inspected appropriately.


• Investigate quality issues, find solutions and report findings to the QA Technical manager


• Ensure emerging issues are resolved quickly and effectively, involving supplier, buyer, merchandiser, Technical Manager as necessary.


• Ensuring traceability of Gold Seals into the warehouse is maintained, and that progress and status of QC inspections is always visible.


• Ensure all damaged goods, manufacturing faults, transit damages are processed in an appropriate manner and that all costs are recharged to responsible parties through correct process.


• Ensure international compliance documentation is accessible in the central system to prevent shipping delays
  
  Experience working on Accessories and Footwear including Women's, Children's and Men's products.


• Appropriate degree/ equivalent qualification.


• Excellent computer literacy, organisational and communication skills.


• Willing to be adaptable and eager to learn a wide variety of skills and to be flexible across several product categories.


• The ability to prioritise, multitask, manage time and work under pressure.


• Have an aptitude for attention to detail.


• Good decision making and problem-solving skills.


• Professional and credible with the ability to work on own initiative.


• Understanding of construction, product review process, testing and safety standards.


• Good understanding of UK, EU and Global product regulations


What will make you brilliant at this role:

• Collaborative team player


• Willing to be adaptable and eager to learn a wide variety of skills and to be flexible across product categories.


• The ability to prioritise, multitask, manage time and work under pressure.


• Have an aptitude for attention to detail.


• Good decision making and problem-solving skills.


• Professional and credible with the ability to work on own initiative.


• A self-starter and able to work with minimal supervision.
  
  At The White Company we are committed to creating an inclusive culture that welcomes and celebrates a diversity of backgrounds and identities.


We are working together to ensure our environment is one where people can bring their authentic selves to work, where their contribution is valued, ability enhanced, and perspective appreciated. Where difference is respected, encouraged, and celebrated. Where you can feel you belong.

We are committed to an active Equality Diversity and Inclusion Policy, which starts with our recruitment and selection process.

We'd love you to join us on our journey.

Our Sustainability statement of commitment:

We are committed to building a sustainable legacy that will enable a brighter future for people and our planet.' We believe this should be reflected in everything we do.

At The White Company, we value our employees for always going the extra mile for every one of our customers; we reward this with great benefits and competitive salaries.

• Discount -Up to 50% discount and access to regular Sample Sales


• Holiday - 25 days rising to 28 with length of service


• Holiday Buy - opportunity to buy up to 5 days holiday


• Pension Scheme - enrolled in our Group Personal Pension schemes upon joining the business.


• Bonus - In addition to our competitive salaries, all our employees are entitled to join a discretionary bonus scheme (based on policy eligibility)


• Perkplace Benefits Platform - offering a variety of discounts across well-being and lifestyle


• Wagestream Money Management app - access to Wagestream gives you power over your pay and supports financial wellbeing


• Continued Development - We offer structured support from our own in-house Learning and Development Hub


• Salary Sacrifice scheme for Electric vehicles (dependent on grade and meeting policy eligibility)


• Continued Development - Inclusion on our Leadership Development Programme (eligibility for contracts of 6 months plus Grade D & E roles only)


• Continued Development - We offer structured support from our own in-house Learning and Development Hub


• Private Healthcare with additional Babylon Digital Healthcare (based on contract duration)


• Life Assurance


Additional Benefits:

• Fruit basket daily


• Tea and coffee provided


• Working from Home - option to work from home on Mondays and Fridays


• Social - Christmas party/social events throughout the year


• Seasonal Sample Sales


• Volunteer Day - with a charity of your choice


• Great Location - Close to transport links - over ground Shepherds Bush station /underground White City & Wood Lane stations. Westfield shopping centre with shops restaurants/bars/cinema and gyms