Job Description

Company Overview

Workwear Uniform Group Ltd (WWUGL) is a leader in the sourcing, design, manufacture and distribution of technical workwear, PPE and bespoke corporate uniforms.

Boasting 100m annual turnover and an international reach, the Group comprises multiple brands who each excel in a distinct part of the workwear lifecycle. This enables us to offer cradle-to-grave solutions to household brands spanning construction, healthcare, rail, logistics, banking, retail, tourism and more.

You'll play a central role in driving the growth of two of the Group's key brands: Direct Corporate Clothing (off-the-shelf PPE and workwear contract specialists) and Incorporatewear (bespoke corporate uniform specialists).

You'll also help establish WWUGL as a renowned brand in and of itself.

Summary

The Head of Design and Technical will lead the strategic and operational direction of the design and technical departments. This role is responsible for overseeing the full product development lifecycle--from concept through to final production--ensuring innovation, quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction. Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and other senior stakeholders, the postholder will drive continuous improvement in design, fit, materials, and production processes to support company growth and operational excellence.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategic Development

- Lead, mentor, and develop the Design and Technical team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and high performance

- Collaborate with the COO and Commercial team to align product development strategies with wider business objectives

- Support new business initiatives, customer proposals, and strategic tenders by providing technical input and design innovation

- Continuously review and improve departmental processes to enhance speed, efficiency, and accuracy

Design Management

- Oversee the design of new ranges, client-specific garments, and seasonal collections, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and brand positioning

- Ensure all designs are commercially viable, technically sound, and production-ready

- Approve final samples and ensure quality control is maintained through to final production

Technical Oversight

- Lead all areas of garment fitting, testing, sizing, and specification development

- Ensure all garments comply with industry standards, regulations (e.g., ISO, EN), and customer-specific requirements

- Oversee the resolution of any technical or production issues in partnership with the supply chain and manufacturing teams

- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of fabric technologies, compliance regulations, and industry best practices

Cross-Functional Collaboration

- Work closely with Operations, Supply Chain, QA, Sales, and Marketing teams to ensure product designs align with manufacturing capabilities, delivery schedules, and brand identity

- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and testing laboratories

Requirements

- Proven experience (7+ years) in a senior design or technical leadership role within workwear, corporatewear, PPE, or fashion apparel

- Expert knowledge of garment construction, product development, and material selection

- Experience managing the end-to-end design and technical process across multiple product lines

- Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills

- Advanced skills in Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Office, and CAD design tools

- Experience working with UK and overseas manufacturers

- Excellent understanding of garment compliance and certification (ISO, EN, CE marking, etc.)

- Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.

- Ability to work on own initiative and as an effective team member.

- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.

- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.

- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

- Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach.

- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

- Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.

Minimum Education Requirements:

- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in one of the following: Fashion Design, Garment Technology, Textile or Apparel Engineering. Product Design with a textile or clothing focus, Clothing and Textile Technology

- A master's degree or further professional training in a relevant field (e.g. Technical Apparel Design, Sustainable Fashion, or Innovation in Textiles) is desirable, but not essential.

If you're ready to take your design skills to the next level and be part of an innovative team, we invite you to apply today!

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Education:

Bachelor's (preferred)
Experience:

a senior design or technical leadership role: 7 years (required)
Work Location: In person