Senior Fabric Technologist

Title: Senior Fabric Technologist

Location: Chadstone Australia

Job Description:

We are an inclusive team who power two of the most iconic and loved brands, Kmart and Target. We have more than 50,000 passionate individuals across our stores, distribution centres, and offices around the globe.

With our brands touching the lives of almost two million customers every week, you’ll feel the impact of the work you’ll do every day. As a leader in the retail market, we’re optimistic about our future and yours. We’re changing at a rapid rate, giving you challenging work that you’ll be proud of.

Join the team

We’re looking for a highly experienced and passionate Senior Fabric Technologist to lead and support the development, selection, testing, and approval of textiles used across our apparel and soft home categories. This is a pivotal role in ensuring our fabrics meet design intent, quality performance, sustainability standards, and commercial viability, all while balancing innovation, trend, and technical precision.

What will you do?

As the Senior Fabric Technologist your primary Purpose is to lead and support the development, selection, testing, and approval of textiles used across Kmart Group product ranges. You’ll ensure the right fabrics are used to satisfy design intent, meet performance and sustainability standards, and maintain commercial viability.

 Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Provide technical support on fabric and trims across apparel and soft home.
• Lead the review and management of technical standards to ensure market relevance.
• Align colour approval processes across business groups and provide training as needed.
• Partner with ANKO to define best practices for lab dip, strike-off, and knitdown submissions.
• Collaborate with technical designers to ensure fabric quality aligns with design aesthetics and customer expectations.
• Support fabric sourcing and development in partnership with ANKO Sourcing.
• Manage and govern the fabric library at Kmart Group Office and within GBSS.
• Work with sustainability teams to ensure traceability and certification requirements are met.
• Advise buyers and designers on correct fabric selection to meet specifications and performance needs.
• Mentor and support the Fabric Assistant.
• Conduct regular store audits to identify and resolve fabric-related issues.
• Ensure product claims (e.g. Organic, Australian Cotton) are supported by valid certifications.
• Define and execute fabric strategy for apparel and soft home.
• Improve customer perception of fabric quality and consistency.
• Reduce return rates due to faulty fabrics.
• Produce store audit reports and share insights with ANKO.

What are we looking for?

 Qualifications, Experience & Knowledge-

• Tertiary qualification in Textile Technology or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in a relevant textiles role.
• Background in apparel manufacturing or fabric mill experience is highly desirable.
• Hands-on experience in fabric sourcing, development, manufacturing processes, and quality control.
• Extensive knowledge of fibres, yarns, knitting, weaving, dyeing, printing, and finishing techniques.
• Strong understanding of colour processes, wash/finishing, and fabric performance.
• Experience working in diverse, multilingual, and multicultural environments.

Competencies & Skills-

• High degree of textile technical ability and commercial acumen.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills.
• Outstanding communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage conflicting deadlines and competing priorities.
• Highly motivated, detail-oriented, and organized.
• Understanding of fabric price architecture and market dynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct risk assessments and ensure fabrics are fit for purpose.
• A team player who thrives in a fast-paced, creative environment.

Benefits we’ll offer you:

• Flexible hybrid working options through our Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well policy.  
• A team member discount card that gives you a discount at Kmart, Target, Officeworks and Bunnings 
• Access to the Brighter Benefits program which entitles you to exclusive discounts and benefits in the areas of entertainment, travel, lifestyle, and health – with over 60 suppliers!  
• We want you to feel rewarded for your commitment and hard work that's why eligible team members get the opportunity to participate in a bonus program 
• We offer inclusive parental leave, and ongoing support offered through our partnership with Circle In for team members of all backgrounds and family circumstances  
• A dynamic learning and support program 
• Opportunity to fast track your career through our Mentor Program as a Mentee or Mentor 
• A Kudos recognition program, where you are nominated by your peers to spin a wheel, to win a stack of cool prizes 
• Great career opportunities across the broader Wesfarmers Group 

We celebrate the rich diversity of the communities in which we operate. We are committed to creating inclusive and safe environments where all our team members can contribute and succeed. We believe that all team members should feel valued, respected and safe, and strive to ensure our recruitment process is accessible and welcoming, with applications encouraged from all candidates.