Job description
*GENERAL SUMMARY * ---
Candidate must possess strong leadership skills with a history of building effective partnerships to drive newness and innovation in brand fabric strategies to support brand sourcing and innovation goals. Individual will bring new ideas to the design table each season while continually researching and developing and improving upon existing fabrications for improved quality and cost. Partner with and coordinate all phases of fabric research and development with Design with an emphasis on forward aesthetic and strategic thinking to determine direction for future seasons while driving the business forward. Drive adherence to platform fabric strategies both within and across the cross functional teams.
REQUIREMENTS
-Strong knowledge and understanding of production and product development with the ability to influence design in support of production across multiple divisions
·Maintain a consistent alignment with Design for all divisions on overall concepts as it ties to our Brand Strategy.
·Regularly shops competitors and aspirational brands in order to better understand where they are and where they are going as it relates to fabrics and price points as it relates to our business.
·Build strong relationships with cross functional partners including global production and GIS fabric teams
·Meet with key suppliers to gain clear understanding of future developments and competitive sourcing of fabrics
·Oversee performance and fabric library
·Participate in identifying potential key item fabrications for upcoming seasons
·Attend digital fabric shows to gain perspective on trend as it applies to our brand
--- DELIVERABLES
·Manage raw material process to achieve cost and responsive supply chain goals
·Compile and present seasonal trends to design
·Communicate and elevate potential Quality and AUC issues to leadership with potential solve in season
·Manage product integrity by reviewing testing exception reports. Trouble shoots to solve and recommend options.
·Work closely with Global Production and vendors to ensure smooth handoff of Design Development packages and seamless execution of product
·Monitor R & D calendar to ensure all development dates are adhered to and that follow through is achieved
·Oversee fabric approvals with Design determining proper hand feel, wash and construction
·Review and evaluate with Design duplicative fabrics and where we can consolidate fabrics on a seasonal basis
·Manage alignment cross divisionally on fabric strategies
WHO YOU ARE:
-Excellent technical knowledge of woven fabrications including fibers, yarns, colors, fabric construction and prints
-Strong analytical skills Strong communication skills
-Ability to negotiate and build consensus across multiple functions
-Working knowledge and understanding of Production
-Proven ability to work closely and partner effectively with Designers ,GIS ,mills ,vendors and production partners
-Proven strong management skills
-Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to regularly interface with and influence senior management
-Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel preferred
-Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred
-4+ years in textile industry working with fabrics
-2 years of management experience preferred
