Knitted Textile Laboratory Technician (Quality Assurance)– Hawick

Knitted Textile Laboratory Technician (Quality Assurance)– Hawick

Competitive Salary + Career Progression + Competitive Company Pension + Excellent Health/Wellness Benefits

Who are we looking for?

At Barrie Knitwear, quality is at the heart of everything we do.

We are looking for a Knitted Textile Laboratory Technician to join our Quality Assurance team in Hawick. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a genuine interest in textiles and product quality to play an important role in ensuring our yarns, knitted fabrics and finished garments meet the exceptionally high standards expected by some of the world's leading luxury fashion houses.

You'll combine practical laboratory testing with technical investigation, working closely with our Quality, Product Development, Technical, Production and Supply Chain teams.

If you're naturally curious, highly methodical and enjoy understanding why something has happened and how it can be improved, this could be the role for you.

Who is Barrie Knitwear?

Barrie Knitwear is a globally renowned fashion manufacturer, celebrated for combining exceptional technical expertise with traditional craftsmanship to create complex couture cashmere garments. Based in Hawick in the Scottish Borders, we have over 100 years of heritage and proudly supply some of the world’s most prestigious luxury fashion houses. As we continue to grow and transform, this is an exciting time to join our team.

What will you be doing?

As our Knitted Textile Laboratory Technician, you'll help ensure our products meet the required quality, performance, customer and regulatory standards.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Carrying out physical and performance testing on yarns, knitted fabrics, trims, components and finished garments.

• Conducting tests including dimensional stability, spirality, pilling, abrasion, colourfastness, fabric weight, stitch density, strength and appearance after care.

• Preparing, conditioning, labelling and managing test specimens in line with laboratory procedures.

• Accurately recording and interpreting results, identifying non-conformances and producing clear reports.

• Investigating failed or unusual results and supporting root-cause analysis, corrective actions and retesting.

• Inspecting knitted products for faults, workmanship, shade, handle, measurements, construction and appearance.

• Maintaining laboratory equipment, calibration records, reference standards and consumables.

• Working to relevant internal methods, customer requirements and textile testing standards.

• Analysing test data and trends to identify recurring issues, process variation and opportunities for improvement.

• Supporting sample approvals, production trials, investigations, audits, customer enquiries and supplier quality activity.

• Maintaining accurate quality records, test methods, work instructions and traceability.

• Supporting the ongoing improvement of laboratory capability, testing methods, turnaround times and right-first-time performance.

• Maintaining excellent housekeeping and 5S standards while following all relevant health, safety, chemical-handling and environmental requirements.

What will you bring to the role?

We're looking for someone who takes pride in accuracy and quality and who enjoys working in a technical manufacturing environment.

You will ideally have:

• A qualification in textiles, textile technology, materials science, chemistry, quality or a related discipline – or equivalent practical experience.

• Experience within a textile laboratory, garment manufacturing, knitted product or quality assurance environment is desirable.

• An understanding of textile testing principles and standards.

• Experience using laboratory equipment, calibration processes or controlled testing methods would be advantageous.

• Good Microsoft Office and electronic data management skills.

We're also looking for someone who is:

• Highly organised and detail-focused, with excellent numerical accuracy.

• Analytical and naturally curious, with the ability to investigate problems rather than simply identify them.

• Comfortable following controlled procedures while recognising when results don't look right.

• A clear communicator who can explain technical findings to colleagues across the business.

• Able to manage competing priorities, from routine testing to urgent investigations and development work.

• Collaborative, proactive and committed to continuous improvement.

• Passionate about maintaining high standards and getting things right first time.

What do we offer?

At Barrie, we want our people to have the opportunity to develop and build a career with us.

You'll benefit from:

• Flexible working options (role dependent)

• 33 days annual leave (including public holidays)

• Early finish on Fridays

• Flexible benefits scheme (including Cycle to Work and gym discounts)

• Time Off in Lieu scheme

• Employer pension contribution

• Life assurance Scheme

• Health & wellbeing programme (including health cash plan)

• Ongoing training and development opportunities

Apply Now

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and join a world-class manufacturing team, we’d love to hear from you. Apply via our Teamtailor platform and we’ll be in touch to guide you through the next steps. CLOSING DATE: FRIDAY 30TH OCTOBER