Head of Garment Technician

Join Hunkemöller on a bold transformation journey—where 140 years of heritage meets the future of product innovation. As one of Europe’s most iconic lingerie brands, Hunkemöller has been empowering women for over 140 years. Today, we are on an exciting journey to elevate our product and redefine expectations—with technical excellence at the core of this transformation. We are not just improving quality; we are building a future where fit, innovation, and sustainability set us apart. We are seeking a visionary Head of Technical (Product Development) to lead this evolution.

YOUR TASKS

Reporting to the Director of Buying & Technical, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our product through the creation and leadership of a Technical Innovation Centre that includes:

• Product Development Teams (Innovation, Pattern, Fit)
• Technical Development Teams (Fit, Quality, Production)
• Compliance & Testing
• Technical Service Centre including:
  • Sample Room
  • In-house Test Lab
  • Circular Repair Service

Your Mission:

As Head of Technical, you will lead and inspire a multi-disciplinary team to deliver exceptional fit, quality, and innovation across all product categories. You will be a key driver in our transformation journey, ensuring that technical excellence becomes a hallmark of the Hunkemöller brand.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the Technical Transformation:

• Build and scale the Technical Innovation Centre to drive product excellence and innovation.
• Use technical excellence to elevate our position as a bra expert—combining innovation, comfort, and quality to exceed customer expectations.
• Champion technical specialism as a strategic advantage—ensuring our products reflect thoughtful design, reliable quality, and modern innovation.
• Continue to embed and optimize in-house pattern software, already implemented, to ensure fit consistency and enable agile supplier transitions.
• Lead the ongoing review and refinement of pattern and block consistency to support scalable, high-quality development.

Elevate Product Development:

• Drive fabric and trim consolidation to streamline sourcing and improve efficiency.
• Lead fabric and trim development initiatives to support elevated product aesthetics and performance.
• Set and maintain technical specifications that ensure consistency and excellence across all categories.

Strengthen Compliance & Quality:

• Enhance due diligence testing protocols to ensure robust product safety and performance.
• Monitor and evolve compliance standards in line with global requirements.
• Set and uphold factory standards, aligned with ISO 9001 principles.
• Oversee online production monitoring and enforce AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) standards across supplier factories.

Build and Develop High-Performing Teams:

• Establish and structure new functions within the Technical Innovation Centre, including the Sample Room, Test Lab, and Circular Repair Service.
• Recruit, mentor, and grow a team of technical experts across product development, compliance, and testing.
• Define clear roles, responsibilities, and development paths to support team growth and capability building.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.

Collaborate Cross-Functionally:

• Work closely with Design, Buying, CSR/ESG, Logistics, and Legal to deliver cohesive, high-performing collections.
• Partner with customer-facing teams including Learning & Development, Marketing, E-commerce, and Research to ensure technical insights support storytelling, education, and customer engagement.
• Build strong, hands-on relationships with factories and suppliers, ensuring alignment on quality, innovation, and compliance standards.
• Act as a strategic advisor to the Director of Buying & Technical on technical innovation and product strategy.

What You Bring:

• Proven experience in a senior technical or product development role within fashion—lingerie expertise and production knowledge are highly desirable.
• Deep understanding of garment construction, fit, quality assurance, and compliance.
• Experience leading multi-functional technical teams and managing complex projects.
• Strong knowledge of sustainability, circularity, and innovation in product development.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Fluent in English; able to communicate effectively with global teams and suppliers.

Benefits:

• 25 Days of Annual Leave: As a full-time employee, you will receive 25 days of paid holiday each year, with the flexibility to buy or sell up to 4 additional days to meet personal needs.
• Hybrid Work Model: We offer a flexible hybrid work environment, enabling you to seamlessly balance office and remote work to enhance productivity and work-life balance.
• Work From Abroad: Take advantage of the opportunity to work remotely from abroad for up to 2 weeks annually.
• International Work Environment: Join a dynamic, global team that fosters collaboration and cultural diversity, providing you with a rich and inclusive professional experience.
• Partial Travel Allowance: Benefit from a partial travel allowance to support your commuting costs, ensuring your journey to and from work is more affordable.
• Hunkemöller Academy: Gain access to our Hunkemöller Academy, offering a wide range of professional development programs to support your career growth and skill enhancement.
• Employee Discounts: Enjoy a 25% discount on all company products, allowing you to access our offerings at a reduced price.

The buying team drives success working closely with our supplier partners, with a mission of strategic sourcing, negotiation and managing product development from sketch to customer. Our technical team ensures every piece fits flawlessly, feels exceptional, and meets the highest quality standards.