Head of Technical - Apparel and Home - #1687250

About The Company

We are one of the fastest growing startups in the UK and are soon to launch internationally. We've shipped over 250,000 products, tripling revenue in 2023, and more than doubling again last year.

We offer luxury clothing and homewares, but without the luxury prices. We connect our customers with the best manufacturers in the world so they can buy the highest quality goods straight from the factory floor at prices that are 40-80% less than usual.

We are the antithesis of fast fashion and serious about sustainability and conscious consumption. We are B Corp certified, have removed all hard chemicals from our supply chain and use mostly organic inputs (cottons, linens etc). Last year we donated over £20,000 to homelessness and women's support charities.

We have been on a rocketship trajectory and are hugely ambitious. We're on a mission to become one of the largest luxury goods retailers in the world over the next 10 years, significantly reshaping the industry as we grow.

If you'd like to join us on this wild journey, then read on below and join our incredible team.

Key Responsibilities

• Follow the end-to-end product development process across all categories - from initial concept through sealing and fittings - ensuring quality is built in from the start.
• Own and regularly update the Rise and Fall Technical Manual, ensuring it delivers clear, market-leading manufacturing guidelines and proactive supplier processes.
• Review third-party QA inspection reports to ensure alignment with brand standards and expectations.
• Oversee factory onboarding and audits, ensuring all partners meet Rise and Fall’s compliance and ethical standards.
• Manage and assess testing reports (base and bulk) to ensure all materials meet performance expectations in line with the critical path.
• Support fittings by providing expert insight into garment construction; knitwear expertise is a plus.
• Update technical packs with any changes to finishes, trims, or measurements as needed.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on product quality - defining and embedding clear technical metrics and performance standards across all categories.
• Lead departmental initiatives and ad hoc projects aimed at improving fit consistency, accelerating time to market, and driving cost efficiencies.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive product compliance strategy that ensures all products meet Rise and Fall’s quality, legal, and safety standards - reinforcing customer trust.
• Lead product technical team, to ensure we are mitigating product risk assessment at early stage, acting as centre of excellence for fit and blocks.
  
  

Qualifications And Skills

• Proven experience working with premium or luxury UK retailers, with a strong understanding of product technical and quality standards.
• In-depth technical knowledge spanning testing, garment construction, fitting, sealing, and production processes.
• Strong understanding of both technical and legal requirements in product testing.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly and effectively.
• Demonstrated experience managing supply chains across diverse manufacturing regions.
• Effective leadership skills with a track record of building and guiding high-performing teams.
• High personal integrity and a strong work ethic.
• Successful implementation of Quality Management Systems in both head office and factory settings.
• Proactive and solution-oriented, with strong problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Adobe Illustrator.
• Highly organised and capable of managing a dynamic workload with precision.
• Collaborative team player who thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
  
  

Benefits

• Highly competitive day rate
• The opportunity to transition to a full time role for the right candidate
• Lovely, bright and spacious office near Portobello Road
• Work alongside a team of ambitious superstars
• Generous discount on all Rise & Fall product + free product each season
• Lots of fun! Great culture with regular team socials & events