Fashion Technical Adviser (Garment Pattern Cutting & Manufacturing)

We are seeking a skilled and enthusiastic Fashion Technical Adviser to join our Technical Services team. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside academic colleagues and students, providing expert technical support across our fashion programmes while helping to create an outstanding learning environment.

As Fashion Technical Adviser, you will play a key role in supporting teaching, learning and creative practice within our fashion workshops. Working closely with staff and students, you will provide specialist expertise in garment pattern cutting, construction and manufacturing, ensuring students develop practical skills using industry-standard techniques and equipment.

You will prepare workshops for teaching, demonstrate specialist equipment, maintain machinery and resources, advise on garment construction methods, and contribute to the safe and effective operation of our technical facilities. You'll also support student projects, competition garments and wider School activities, working collaboratively within a dedicated technical team.

This post is offered on a part time (18.5 hours per week), 2 year fixed-term contract.

Principal Accountabilities:

Provide in-class technical support and demonstrate garment construction, pattern cutting, and manufacturing processes to support academic delivery.

Demonstrate the safe and effective use of specialist equipment, including industrial sewing machines, overlockers, and pressing equipment across fashion programmes and the wider School and College.

Diagnose routine technical issues and advise on appropriate construction methods to achieve design outcomes.

Prepare and set up workshop spaces, equipment, and materials in advance of teaching activities.

Organise and maintain specialist equipment and workshop areas, including liaison over shared facilities.

Keep up to date records of consumable stock, capital purchases and assets.

Advise on procurement needs and the ordering and purchase of materials and other items as necessary.

Assist with the supervision and induction of new staff and students into facilities, providing training on all aspects of their use.

Ensure the efficient and safe operation of work areas and the implementation of all relevant Health and Safety regulations and policies, in conjunction with Technical Instructor or Team Leader.

Participate in the University's Development Review process and engage in agreed training and professional development activities.

Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role, as agreed with the Technical Instructor, Team Leader, or Technical Manager.

Essential Criteria:

Qualifications: Relevant Undergraduate Degree, Level 6 Diploma, or equivalent professional experience in fashion, garment technology, pattern cutting, garment manufacturing, or a related discipline.

Experience: Practical industry or educational experience in garment construction, pattern cutting, and manufacturing processes. Experience using and maintaining industrial sewing machinery and pressing equipment. Experience supporting practical workshop, studio, or technical learning environments.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities: Working knowledge of Health & Safety in a workshop setting. Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and manage competing demands. Self-motivated with the ability to achieve deadlines. Sound knowledge of garment construction techniques, pattern drafting, fitting, finishing, and manufacturing processes. Ability to fault find, develop, construct and produce coursework and competition garments. Able to demonstrate the use of equipment and industry standard construction techniques to individual and groups of students. Ability to undertake general preparation of studios and workshops including the preparation and maintenance of equipment and machinery. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to support staff and students with varying levels of experience. Ability to manage own time and prioritise work of others in the team effectively. Methodical work approach. Ability to create a team spirit which engages and motivates others. Quality-orientated with high standards for self and others. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a technical and academic team. Good IT skills relevant to the role.

Business Requirements: Flexible approach to working hours. Able to travel between University sites in a time and cost-effective manner. Willingness to provide support at University events such as Graduate Fashion Week, Graduation, Clearing and Open Days (some outside normal working hours). Commitment to the University values and behaviours.

Desirable Criteria:

Experience supporting teaching and learning in Higher Education. Experience supporting student competition garments, fashion shows, exhibitions, or live projects. Experience with digital pattern cutting or CAD software relevant to fashion design/production. Knowledge of sustainable fashion practices or emerging technologies. Willingness to learn new skills. Knowledge of contemporary garment manufacturing methods and industry practices. Willingness to train as First Aider.

Benefits:

Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata). Local Government Pension Scheme. Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme. Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers. Discounted onsite gym. Cycle to Work scheme. A flexible working environment. A commitment to personal and professional development.