Freelance Senior Garment Technologist

The Hippie Shake is looking for an experienced freelance Senior Garment Technologist to join us on an ongoing basis, working approximately three days per week. Founded in 2016, The Hippie Shake creates heirloom-worthy pieces inspired by vintage fashion, music and festival style.
This is a key role within our product development process. You'll work closely with our founder and Creative Director, Naomi, taking ownership of garment technology from initial design ideas through sampling, fitting, production approval and shipment sign-off.
We're looking for someone highly experienced, organised and confident working autonomously, who can manage multiple styles and suppliers while maintaining the fit, quality and consistency our customers expect.
About the role
At the beginning of each collection, you'll work closely with Naomi to translate her designs and ideas into detailed technical packs, using our existing blocks, components and grading standards where appropriate.
From there, you'll own the technical development process, managing samples, fittings, supplier communication and approvals through to bulk production and final shipment samples.
We currently develop approximately 15 new styles per quarter across categories including dresses, tailoring, knitwear, denim and outerwear.
Responsibilities
Work closely with Naomi at the start of each collection to understand the design, fit and construction requirements for each styleCreate detailed technical packs, including construction details, measurement specifications and manufacturing requirementsMaintain and update tech packs throughout the sampling and development processCreate initial measurement specifications and graded size specifications using our established grading rulesMaintain consistency across our existing blocks, sizing standards and fitRequest development samples from suppliers and manage the sampling process from first sample through to production approvalTrack samples and proactively chase suppliers to ensure development remains on scheduleMeasure samples against specifications and identify fit, construction and quality issuesOrganise and attend fittings in New Eltham, South East London, approximately every two weeks or as requiredBook our fit model for fittings, using our existing agency relationshipLead fittings and
provide clear, detailed technical feedbackProduce and send comprehensive fit and sample comments to suppliers, including measurements, annotated imagery and construction amendmentsAdvise on garment construction, fabrics, trims and finishes throughout developmentWork collaboratively with Naomi on areas such as trims, print placement, embroidery and embellishment executionCommunicate directly with our overseas suppliers on all technical and product development mattersConsider supplier MOQs during development and ensure proposed fabrics and materials are commercially viable for our order quantitiesMaintain the development and production critical path, proactively highlighting delays, risks or issues to the wider teamManage technical approvals required before bulk production, including pre-production and size-set samples where applicableReview and approve shipment samples for every style before bulk orders are authorised to shipCheck shipment samples for measurements, fit, construction, colour,
trims, labelling, packaging and overall qualityReview garment and fabric testing reports and advise on appropriate wash-care instructionsWork with Naomi to ensure garment labelling, fibre composition and relevant compliance requirements are correctAdvise on technical solutions when issues arise during production, working with the wider team to determine the best course of actionReview monthly customer return and product-quality feedback with Naomi and the wider team, using insights to inform future development and fit

We'd love to hear from someone who:
Has significant experience working as a Garment Technologist or Senior Garment Technologist, ideally with at least 5 years in a similar roleIs highly confident owning the technical development process from initial concept through to bulk productionHas extensive experience conducting fittings and providing clear, commercially minded fit and construction feedbackHas excellent knowledge of garment construction, grading, sizing and manufacturingHas strong knowledge of pattern cutting and can use this expertise to diagnose and resolve fit and construction issuesIs experienced creating detailed tech packs, measurement specifications and grading rulesHas worked across a broad range of womenswear categoriesIs comfortable working directly with overseas factories and suppliersHas a strong understanding of fabrics, trims, garment testing, wash care and product complianceHas excellent attention to detail and a strong understanding of garment qualityIs highly organised and confident managing
sampling and production timelines across multiple stylesIs proactive and comfortable flagging issues early rather than waiting for them to become problemsCan work autonomously and take ownership of their area while collaborating closely with a small teamIs confident working predominantly in Excel and email
Experience working with factories in India, Turkey and China would be useful, but isn't essential.
An interest in responsible fabric and production choices is also important to us., If this sounds like a good fit, we'd love to hear from you.Please send us your CV, a brief introduction outlining your relevant experience, your availability and your usual freelance day rate.

Role: Freelance Senior Garment TechnologistCommitment: Approximately 3 days per week, ongoingWorking pattern: Flexible freelance daysLocation: Predominantly remote, with in-person fittings in New Eltham, SE9, approximately every two weeks or as requiredStart date: Ideally within the next 6 weeks. Rate: Freelance day rate to be agreed based on experience
You'll work most closely with Naomi on product development and technical decisions, with support from the wider team on operational and production matters. The role requires a high level of autonomy, although final product and commercial decisions will sit with Naomi and the founders.