Senior Footwear Technologist

River Island Clothing Co.; City of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion retailer in City of London is seeking an experienced Senior Technologist to lead development and approval processes for Garment Tech categories. The role involves managing technical considerations, team objectives, and driving continuous improvement in fit and quality standards. Ideal candidates will have significant management experience, knowledge in technical standards, and a passion for product development. This position offers competitive benefits including flexible working arrangements and generous discounts.

Benefits

Generous staff discount

Free onsite gym

Flexible working

Qualifications

• Experience as a Senior Technologist or equivalent.
• Track record of mentoring and developing teams.
• Strong knowledge of sizing, pattern making, grading, and construction methods.
• Extensive product testing and compliance experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead all technical considerations for departments and categories.
• Manage the team, set objectives, and provide feedback.
• Identify process and product improvement opportunities.
• Drive an efficient product approval process.
• Conduct regular reviews of fit and quality standards.

Skills

Management experience

Knowledge of sizing

Strong interest in product

Job description

Overview

The Senior Technologist leads the implementation of development and approval processes for Garment Tech categories at River Island, ensuring fit, quality, and compliance standards are met while driving continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead all technical considerations for departments and categories, guiding the team and influencing stakeholders.
• Manage the team, set objectives, provide feedback, and support development planning.
• Identify process and product improvement opportunities through market awareness and customer insight.
• Support the Tech Manager in reviewing divisional strategy and emerging industry trends.
• Lead the product development process, focusing on ‘Right First Time’ to improve fit and quality consistency and reduce time to seal.
• Drive an efficient product approval process, ensuring KPI compliance and regulatory adherence.
• Conduct regular reviews of fit and quality standards across product areas, challenging suppliers where necessary.
• Monitor and review grade rules for consistent sizing, organising ‘Fit Squads’ across product areas.
• Analyze customer returns, implement initiatives to reduce returns, recover revenue, and improve supplier performance.
• Maintain knowledge of global legislation and support compliance management, including recalls.
• Collaborate with River Island Technical/Compliance teams to set, review, and communicate standards and manuals.
• Ensure suppliers meet product standards and River Island procedures, reviewing performance KPI’s and supporting supplier improvement.
• Contribute to supplier strategy and sustainability, supporting respective teams to achieve objectives.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Senior Technologist or equivalent with management experience in retail or manufacturing.
• Track record of mentoring and developing teams.
• Strong knowledge of sizing, pattern making, grading, and construction methods.
• Extensive product testing and compliance experience with technical and legal standards.
• Multi‑product experience and knowledge of multiple sourcing locations.
• Substantial supply chain management experience.
• Strong interest in product and the River Island brand.

Benefits

• Generous staff discount and boutique shop.
• Well‑being solutions, financial advice, and Reward Gateway benefits.
• Free onsite gym, subsidised restaurant & café.
• Family‑friendly maternity, paternity, adoption & fertility treatment support.
• Flexible working, early Friday summers and paid holidays.
• Generous bonus scheme, private pension and healthcare options.
• Upskilling through on‑the‑job training, qualifications and succession plan.

Equal Opportunity

River Island is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Flexible working requests will be considered for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.