Leather Technician

The role

This position is accountable for the technical construction, quality and ‘fit for end use’ assessment of all footwear, leather & fabric handbags and belt categories. The primary objective of this role is to support the Design and Quality teams to ensure that each product is developed on time, to a high quality and fit standard, and achieves target margin.

**Please note that this is a 12 month contract**

Key responsibilities
- Assess briefs for samples in conjunction with designer and merchandiser to ensure that specification for styles are being communicated in a clear and concise manner, including adding technical details where applicable
- Support designers and merchandisers wherever necessary to negotiate workable pricing in line with set GP targets
- Assist in setting up and completing sample fitting comments in PLM for the Design team and communicating all tech pack information to suppliers aligned to the critical path deadline dates
- Create and approve graded specs for belts & footwear, and communicate to suppliers on these product types
- Attend pre buy meetings, monitoring/actioning any late stage changes that may affect a style being green sealed on time
- Green seal all products for production in accordance with the critical path
- Regular follow up and communication with suppliers on Quality control
- Responsible for quality testing of raw materials and hardware
- Review and approve Bulk Leather test reports and communicate all failed results to the relevant designer and supplier. Advise correct care label wording if required to suppliers in accordance to the pass or failed test report results
- Organise Wear test programs on new seasons product and /or raw materials, encompassing the recording and the analysis of all results - In line with critical path
- Manage all fit session schedules, arrange fit model, and manage fit model budget
- Provide technical advice to design as required
- Participate in seasonal review of supplier performance with Designers and Merchandise team to build forward year Supplier Matrix and identify gaps in supplier base
- Build strong communication channels with the specific designers, merchandisers and the external supplier base to ensure company strategic initiatives and targets are met.
- Product development / technical knowledge with leather accessories, preferably belts, shoes and handbags (footwear essential)
- An understanding of components used in leather shoes and handbags
- An understanding of raw materials, specifically leather
- The ability to fit shoes and identify construction issues
- Experience in dealing with, and understanding offshore manufacturing
- Excellent Outlook, Excel, PLM system & Photoshop skills
- Excellent critical path and time management skills
- The ability to work under pressure, to prioritise workloads, plan work programs and meet deadlines
- High level of attention to detail
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong negotiation skills

Why work for us?
- A competitive remuneration package, including annual performance incentives
- Generous employee discounts across Country Road Group brands
- An additional day of leave for your birthday
- Hybrid working arrangements in office and from home that provide appropriate work/life balance
- Seasonal clothing allowance across the Country Road Group portfolio of brands
- Opportunities to support community partnerships across our Corporate Social Responsibility program
- Be a member of a company committed to sustainable practices
- Ongoing training and development to pursue individual ambitions

About us

Since our first store opened in Australia in 1970, Witchery has been a daily source of style, inspiration and sophistication for all women. Proving that premium, quality-led design can be a part of every day or night, and that confidence comes not just from what you wear, but how you wear it.