Job Title

Fashion Technical Adviser (Garment Pattern Cutting & Manufacturing)

College/Department

College of Health and Humanities

Location

Chandos Pole Street, Derby, DE22 3BA

Job Reference Number

0233-26

Job Grade

ATOS 5

Salary

£30,577 to £32,455 per annum, pro rata (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £37,323.25 per annum, pro rata)

Reports To

Technical Instructor

Line Management Responsibility

No

Closing Date: 12th October 2026

Role Summary

The post holder will support delivery of teaching, learning and research activities across fashion programmes and the wider School and College. To provide specialist technical support in garment pattern cutting and manufacturing processes, including fault finding, development, construction and production of coursework and competition garments.

The role focuses on enabling high-quality practical outcomes through expert guidance, preparation and maintenance of workshop resources, and the application of industry-standard construction and production techniques.

The post holder will be part of the Technical Services team and must be a self-motivated team player, able to use their initiative to manage workloads and multitask effectively to meet tight deadlines.

Principal Accountabilities

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

2) 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.

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

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

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

6)    Keeping up to date records of consumable stock, capital purchases and assets.

7) Advising on procurement needs and the ordering and purchase of materials and other items as necessary.

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

9) Ensuring 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.

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

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

Person Specification

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, and ability to support Health & Safety where appropriate

• 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

• Be able 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

·         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

·         Manage own time / prioritise work of others in the team effectively

·         Has a methodical work approach

·         Create a team spirit, which engages and motivates others to innovate and perform effectively

·         Set a high standard for self and others i.e. quality orientated

·         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/arrangement of hours

·         Able to travel between University sites in a time and cost-effective manner 

·         Willingness to provide support at University events from time to time e.g., Graduate fashion week ,Graduation, Clearing and Open Days, (some of these events occur outside of normal working hours, such as evenings and weekends)

·         Commitment to the University values and behaviours

Desirable Criteria

Experience

• 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

Skills, knowledge and abilities

• 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

The University of Derby believes in providing choice to our people suited to their needs or life stages. Offering a number of salary sacrifice options, a generous holiday entitlement of 26 days plus bank holidays and 4 concessionary days and a host of family friendly policies, mean that splitting your time and finances can be easier. For those with prospective students in the household, we also offer tuition fee support to partners and children and, not forgetting you, we offer financial support for accredited learning. 

Our competitive 'total reward' offering has something for everyone and looks to reward and recognise people in different ways. 

Core to the package is a competitive pay structure and generous public-sector pension schemes. Our pay structure allows for stepped progression in role and is reviewed against the market and, where applicable, awarding national pay awards annually. Further financial support is offered through our Financial Wellbeing Hub, not forgetting our generous pension contributions supporting your retirement fund within our Local Government Pension Scheme. 

Wellbeing at Derby features within our benefits options from our Employee Assistance programme through to our eyecare voucher scheme, not to mention the discounted membership for our on-site gym at our Kedleston Road campus. With our Inclusion and Wellbeing Networks, there really is support for everyone.    

We also facilitate ‘Give as You Earn’ options to donate to your preferred charities straight from your pay which enhances the amount your charity receives for your donation. 

At the University of Derby, we celebrate loyalty and achievements through our Staff Excellence Framework be it financially, or non-financially. We aim to foster a culture of boldness and brilliance in our people, and from a simple thank you through to a local awards ceremony, we recognise and celebrate notable achievements of our colleagues.   

For more information on the benefits of working at the University of Derby go to the Benefit pages of our website. 

Our People

The University of Derby is committed to fostering an open, inclusive and diverse community where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. We are committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (or none), sex or sexual orientation. 

As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome requests for adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Applicants may choose their preferred title, including 'Mx', and may share preferred pronouns if they wish. We also use anonymised shortlisting to help reduce the potential impact of unconscious bias. For more information on equity, diversity and inclusion at the University of Derby, please visit our website.  

We are also committed to promoting academic freedom and freedom of speech and expression within the law, in line with our Code of Practice, and value diversity of thought alongside diversity of backgrounds and experiences. 

However you identify, we welcome applications from people whose experiences, perspectives and talents will contribute to our inclusive, supportive and intellectually vibrant community.