Associate Manager - Fabric R&D

Knitwell Group • New Albany, OH

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Fabric R&D for Cacique is responsible for the fabric R&D and standardization of development and bulk production. This position is required to work closely with Regional and Domestic Fabric, Sourcing and Design teams as well as suppliers. The impact you can have Design/Merchant/PD/Sourcing partners to prepare seasonal collection to meet customer needs and brand targets and communicate effectively and efficiently with suppliers and ensure sample yardage is ordered to utilize for sampling. Manage fabric library of R&D selections and standardized submits from seasonal developments, along with regional duplications or alternatives. Understand brands material and garment testing requirements and manage seasonal risk assessments with brands. Partner with PD/Sourcing/Merchandise team by providing technical expertise to help with costing or production flexibility/capability. Proactively identify and suggest solutions to Merchant/Design on fabric issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Textiles (or related area) or equivalent work experience
• 3+ years of Fabric R&D and technical experience in the apparel trade
• Experience with intimate apparel, swim apparel, and/or athletic apparel preferred
• Passion for innovation, creative thinking and sustainability
• Ability to provide seasonal trend analysis
• Experience working directly with international fabric mills and regional offices or agencies
• Proficient in Microsoft Applications, Google Docs & Flex PLM
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to work independently as well as a member of a team
• Experience working with a US based organization preferred

Responsibilities

• Prepare seasonal collection to meet customer needs and brand targets
• Communicate effectively and efficiently with suppliers
• Ensure sample yardage is ordered to utilize for sampling
• Manage fabric library of R&D selections and standardized submits from seasonal developments, along with regional duplications or alternatives
• Understand brands material and garment testing requirements
• Manage seasonal risk assessments with brands
• Provide technical expertise to help with costing or production flexibility/capability
• Proactively identify and suggest solutions to Merchant/Design on fabric issues

Benefits

• Merchandise discount at select KnitWell Group brands
• Support for individual development plus opportunities for career mobility within our family of brands
• 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)
• Paid time off & holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level