Associate Manager - Fabric R&D

KnitWell Group • Albany, OH

1d • 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.

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 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

Nice To Haves

• 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 with a US based organization preferred

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• Merchandise discount at select KnitWell Group brands
• Support for 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

What This Job Offers

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