We are looking for a Raw Materials Specialist with luxury fashion experience to work fully onsite in New York City.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead raw material sourcing and development across footwear and accessories.
- Partner with Design, Product Development, Merchandising, and Production teams.
- Research innovative materials, finishes, fabrication techniques, and construction methods.
- Manage relationships with global vendors and overseas suppliers.
- Negotiate pricing, MOQs, lead times, and supplier terms.
- Support material costing strategies and sourcing efficiencies.
- Coordinate raw material purchasing and production readiness.
- Track development calendars, material approvals, and delivery timelines.
- Maintain quality standards, material testing, and compliance requirements.
- Update material specifications, pricing, vendor information, and development records.
- Maintain accurate documentation in PLM and internal systems.
- Identify sourcing challenges and proactively resolve issues.
- Monitor market trends and new sourcing opportunities.
- Provide guidance and support to junior team members as needed.
Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience in raw materials development, sourcing, or procurement.
- Luxury fashion experience strongly preferred.
- Experience managing global suppliers and overseas sourcing partners.
- Strong understanding of costing, MOQs, lead times, and manufacturing processes.
- Proven experience negotiating with vendors and suppliers.
- Experience supporting raw material purchasing and production timelines.
- Excellent organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
- Proactive problem-solver with strong follow-through.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Comfortable managing multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Prior leadership or team management experience is a plus.
- Must be comfortable working fully onsite in New York City.
Required Technical Skills:
- Raw Material Sourcing and Development
- Leather, Trims, and Hardware Development
- Global Vendor and Supplier Management
- Material Costing and Negotiations
- MOQ and Lead Time Management
- Bulk Material Purchasing
- Material Testing and Quality Standards
- Production Calendar Management
- Microsoft Excel
- PLM Systems
- Material Tracking and Documentation
- RLM experience is a plus.
