Colorist

SanMar-Internal•Issaquah, WA

7h•$80,170 - $115,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Colorist position ensures the integrity of color across multiple product categories and comprises a specialized focus over select proprietary collections. The position is responsible for the management of color from development through to finished production, including the communication and integration with resource base, vendor relationship management, color standards, performance monitoring, and actioning initiatives to continually improve the consistency of color of SanMar products. This position reports to the Product Color Manager and involves partnering with Product Quality Assurance, Product Development/Sourcing, and Merchandising teams, as well as with our international supply base.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree related field - Textiles, Clothing, Merchandising
2+ years of experience in product development, merchandising, textiles, international vendor management
Experience with textile coloration techniques/limitations of dyeing and finishing
Experience with the use of spectrophotometer and supporting color software
Color proficient to superior level (Munsell Hue color test will be administered)
Experience/knowledge of textiles, apparel, and/or accessory product via Product Development, Sourcing, Testing, Merchandising, and/or other related activities
Ability to communicate clearly using color terminology both written and verbal
Ability to build relationships effectively with cross-functional and international teams
Be an active participant and encourage a positive and supportive attitude in a team environment
Flexible and able to accept and embrace change with positive attitude
Multi-tasking; must be able to prioritize and work under limited supervision
Organized and detailed orientated
Strong decision-making capabilities

Nice To Haves

Experience in color management is preferred

Responsibilities

Manage color submissions; visually and electronically (spectrophotometer) from multiple suppliers and across different product categories efficiently and with precision.
Make critical pass/fail decisions independently having a direct impact on products.
Facilitate, manage and collaborate with internal and external business partners to identify and implement efficiencies to the color approval process, including vendor submittals, electronic color communication and enhancing vendor knowledge of SanMar product.
Responsible for developing cohesive partnerships with Product Development/Sourcing and Merchandising to guide them to timely delivery of product execution while maintaining color consistency.
Manage vendor relationships to enhance their capabilities to meet color quality expectations, adherence to process, and meet delivery timelines.
Create/maintain/update color tracking records and communicate statistical data both internally/externally.
Define, implement, and maintain standardized procedures for color management for SanMar and suppliers.
Maintain physical and virtual lab dips and color standard library, including set-up, maintenance, and distribution of color standards to our suppliers.
Plan, organize, and execute on-site color on-boarding training program for suppliers and subsequently develop, manage and follow-up on a continuous improvement plan to ensure color consistency.
Visit with suppliers (overseas travel) when needed for vendor development/training, process refinements, etc.
Provide color training to associates as and when required.
Additional projects as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Comply with all policies and standards.

Benefits

Annual discretionary bonus up to 10% of base salary
Accrue paid time off on a bi-weekly basis based on hours worked up to 112 hours per year to start
8 paid holidays
1 paid family day off
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
401k plan and matches $1 for $1 up to 4% of earnings, matched & vested at every pay cycle
Life insurance
Short/long-term disability coverage
Paid maternity/paternity leave
Pet insurance