Associate Fabric Developer and Planner

Acushnet Company•Boulder, CO

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

KJUS is dedicated to amplifying the world's most exhilarating golf and ski experiences. We achieve this through miraculous technology that goes beyond innovation, setting entirely new standards for performance, comfort, and protection. Our shared passion for golf and ski drives us to create incredible products that empower our loyal customers to fully enjoy their passions. For us, it’s not just a job—it’s a joyful obsession. As a result, KJUS products are found in the most remarkable ski and golf destinations worldwide. The KJUS headquarters are in Boulder, Colorado, with satellite offices in Switzerland and Scotland. Our showrooms can be found worldwide. In 2019, Acushnet Company partnered with KJUS, joining our brand with other fantastic labels like Titleist, FootJoy, Scotty Cameron, and Vokey . KJUS | Associate Fabric Developer and Planner Full-time – Boulder, CO Exempt, Salaried ; $ 57,800.00 - $69,500.00 Develop the most innovative fabrics for the KJUS collection. Work with mills and factories to ensure future product is consistent in quality and function, in alignment with the KJUS brand. Collaborate and communicate with the Product Engineer team, the Product Manager, our fabric mills, and suppliers throughout the entire development process. This position will report directly to the Director Product Design & Development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Textile Technology/Development or similar field. In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, high school diploma or equivalent and four years of experience in fabric development
Minimum 1 year of experience in fabric development, color approvals, and/or print and pattern approvals preferred
Minimum 1 year of experience with technical fabrics and functional apparel preferred
Experience in Print and Pattern development and printing techniques preferred
Extended periods of time sitting and/or standing, occasional lifting
Occasional travel may occur
Proficient computer skills (MS Office, Outlook)

Nice To Haves

A passion for outdoor sports industry preferred

Responsibilities

Strategy and Development (40%) Organize and control fabric deadlines (greige planning, booking and ordering for prototypes and testing, SMS and bulk)
General support in the entire fabric process (sourcing, vendor meetings, developments, marketing, etc.) as well as support of product engineer team with fabric needs.
Check forecasts and send out the bookings for the bulk fabric and be responsible for on-time material delivery
Coordinate with product team across all categories to prevent material liabilities and generate leftover projects
Attend fabric tradeshows, perform competitor research in order to gather the newest trends and fabric technologies, maintaining partnerships and finding new fabric sources
Present and explain new technologies at design meetings and sales meetings
Quality Assurance, Testing, and Data Management (40%) Identify potential production, quality, and costing issues, make recommendations while maintaining design intent
Ensure that all inline fabrics reach and maintain the KJUS Fabric Quality Standards for SMS and bulk production
Follow-up on fabric quality issues in conjunction with the quality manager and supply chain team
Conduct physical tests and wash tests to confirm the qualities of the fabrics chosen
Maintain all master data for fabrics in the system and maintain the physical fabric library
Responsible for the lab dip process including coordination, commenting and confirmation of all colors for the salesman samples and the bulk production
Enter icons, features and functions, and qualities into the system for each fabric and style
Track and test to make sure fabrics and finishes are complying with current regulations
Vendor Management (20%) Manage seasonal sourcing of main/secondary fabrics and insulation in line with the corporate deadlines
Manage the key fabric supplier partnerships and constantly look for new suppliers to supplement the fabric supplier pool where needed
Foster trusting relationships with vendors to achieve better pricing and quality of services and to stay up to date about new fabric trends, constructions, and technologies
Control overall fabric production plan and lead communication with fabric suppliers
Control and transfer material liabilities with greige and leftovers while collaborating with Vietnam offices
Conduct fabric supplier negotiations and be responsible for lead times to match the corporate timeline