Manager, Fabric R&D

KnitWell Group

$80K — $85K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience
  • 5-7 years in the textile industry, focused on fabric development
  • In-depth knowledge of weaving, printing, dyeing, finishing, and treatments
  • Understanding of merchandising and product development processes
  • Strong design aesthetic
  • Effective communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks with changing priorities

Responsibilities

  • Research and develop high-quality, trend-right fabrics
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams on fabric R&D processes
  • Maintain relationships with external mills and vendors
  • Develop a seasonal fabric strategy that aligns with brand goals
  • Design and gather fabrics in partnership with the design team
  • Update and analyze fabric projects to meet fiscal and quality standards
  • Mentor and support direct reports in their performance

Benefits

  • Merchandise discount at select KnitWell Group brands
  • Opportunities for individual development and career mobility
  • Culture of community support with volunteer opportunities and donation matching
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision insurance, and 401(K) plan
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal support
  • Paid time off and holiday leave
  • Flexible hybrid work model, as business needs dictate
Full Job Description

About the role

This position is primarily responsible for driving the research, gathering, and development of fabric and/or trim for their product category. Partners with cross-functional teams and external vendor/mill partners in the development of high-quality, brand-right fabrics. Collaborates with cross functional teams in establishing, refining, and implementing Fabric R&D processes into the broader design and development process, both internally and externally.

The impact you can have
  • Work with Director, Fabric R&D on researching, developing, and sourcing fabrics that are trend, customer and brand right, while maintaining pricing structure
  • Ensure fabric development is brand appropriate, trend right, and of elevated quality so as to elevate the aesthetic and inherent value of the product and the brand
  • Research and stay abreast of fabric and/or trim trends and technological developments as they relate to the client
  • Develop and maintain a fabric sourcing library
  • Forge and maintain relationships with mills
  • Work directly with design to gather and develop fabrics and drive fabric development T&A
  • Consistently partner with design, merchandising, product development, production and vendors on fabric development related issues for immediate needs and future development
  • Define, drive and execute a seasonal fabric strategy
  • Maintain, update, and analyze fabric projects ensuring fiscal and quality goals
  • Mentor, coach and counsel direct reports on performance expectations
  • Provide a positive, challenging work environment
  • Recognize and reward talent and accomplishments
  • Interface effectively with all levels throughout the organization


You'll bring to the role
  • Bachelor's Degree, or equivalent experience
  • 5-7 years in the textile industry, with expertise in fabric development both domestically and internationally
  • In depth fabric knowledge and experience in relation to weaving, printing, dyeing, finishing, treatments and washing techniques as well as mill capabilities
  • Knowledge and understanding of merchandising and product development
  • Strong design aesthetic
  • Ability to drive processes with cross functional team members
  • Ability to communicate clearly, both written and verbal
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks with shifting priorities


Benefits
  • You will be eligible to receive a merchandise discount at select KnitWell Group brands, subject to each brand's discount policies.
  • Support for your individual development plus opportunities for career mobility within our family of brands.
  • A culture of giving back - local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities. *
  • Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K)*
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Time off - paid time off & holidays*
  • The target salary range for this role is: $80,000 - $85,000*
  • Hybrid: This position works in a hybrid model, with required days worked in the office location in as defined by business needs.


*Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role.

#LI-CS3

Location:
Times Square Tower-ANN-New York, NY 10036Position Type:
Regular/Full time

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