Garment Technologist
Rapha creates the finest cycling clothing and accessories in the world. Designed without compromise for the most discerning rider, Rapha products blend optimum performance, the finest fabrics and modern style. At Rapha, it’s our purpose to inspire the world to live by bike.
The Garment Technology team ensure that garments are developed, produced, and delivered to the required quality, fit, and technical standards, while meeting cost and production timelines. The Garment Technologist works closely with designers, product developers, suppliers, and production teams to translate design concepts into commercially viable, high-quality products.
The Role:
Lead fit sessions and provide technical feedback to ensure consistency in sizing, fit and construction across product categories
Evaluate factory prototypes, size sets and sealer samples, ensuring compliance with design and technical specifications, whilst adhering to Critical Path deadlines
Collaborate with designers and product developers to interpret creative vision into technically viable garments
Working alongside Product Development and Supply Chain to cost engineer product to meet margin expectations
Develop and maintain size specs and grading in tech packs
Conduct risk assessments on new designs and suggest modifications as needed
Work with factories/suppliers to ensure clear communication of technical requirements and resolve any issues
Work closely with the Production and Sourcing Team and the external QC company to ensure shipment samples and QC checks are carried out in accordance with supplier ex-factory dates
Pro-actively work with suppliers to resolve any issues that are flagged during QC checks
Travel to suppliers where necessary
The Candidate:
Reporting to the Senior Product Engineering Manager, this role will ensure that all products are truly fit for purpose, are of the highest quality and delivered in a timely manner. An effective internal negotiator, this person will be a natural role model to the team in terms of their professional conduct.
Minimum 4 years experience in Garment Technology with strong technical knowledge of sportswear apparel constructions, patterns and manufacturing processes. Cycling apparel experience is a plus
Exceptional attention to detail and problem-solving skills
Understanding of pattern cutting, grading and fit
Familiarity with quality standards
Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
Experience using a PLM system
Experience working with international supply chains and manufacturers
Working at Rapha
We are continuously looking into ways to invest in our employees and build a better working culture and environment. Here are just some of the internal benefits we offer:
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Flexible working hours
- Support for ad-hoc remote working during the week - minimum 4 days in office
- 25 days annual leave
- 2 additional days paid time off to participate in a sportive or similar related cycling event
- A flexible riding benefit to allow you to go out riding on a Wednesday morning with colleagues or learn to cycle through our Getting Started Scheme
- An annual clothing allowance of £1,120 for testing and promotional purpose
- A company bonus scheme
- A health cash plan provided by Healthshield worth up to £1405 per year
- Mental health support with MyndUp
- Free barista coffee and social drinks in the office
- Subsidised lunches 3 days per week
- Monthly department social events and quarterly office social away days
- Bike racing expenses up to £35 per race entry
- A 50% staff discount and a discount for family and friends
- Industry discounts on brands such as Patagonia, Osprey, Finisterre, Wahoo
- Free membership to the Rapha Cycling Club
- Cycle2Work scheme
- Company Pension Scheme
- Enhanced Parental Leave and Pay
