Director - Sweater Yarn Sourcing

JCrew • New York, NY

20d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Sweater Yarn Sourcing leads the end-to-end strategy, development, and execution of all sweater yarn initiatives across J.Crew and J.Crew Factory. This role ensures that every yarn meets J.Crew Group’s standards for quality, performance, and design integrity, balancing innovation, sustainability, and commercial viability. The Director works closely with Design, Production, Technical Design, Merchandising, Quality Assurance and Sustainability Teams to deliver compelling, high-performing yarn platforms that reflect J.Crew’s aesthetic while meeting business objectives and seasonal timelines.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in sweater yarn development or textile sourcing, including 5+ years in a leadership capacity.
• Strong technical knowledge of fiber properties, spinning systems, dyeing, and finishing processes.
• Deep expertise in yarn performance testing and quality validation (pilling, colorfastness, shrinkage, dimensional stability).
• Proven experience working closely with Production and Quality Assurance to ensure yarn performance and consistency.
• Exceptional vendor negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with PLM and raw material data management systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive global sourcing strategy for sweater yarns across J.Crew and J.Crew Factory.
• Build and manage a high-performing global supplier base that delivers excellence in quality, innovation, cost, and service.
• Anticipate and manage market shifts in fiber availability, tariffs, traceability, and sustainability standards (e.g. GRS, BCI, regenerative cotton).
• Partner with the VP – Raw Materials to ensure alignment with broader raw material and platform sourcing strategies.
• Source, develop, and commercialize yarns that meet J.Crew Group’s quality standards including pilling resistance, colorfastness, dimensional stability, and overall performance.
• Collaborate with Production and Quality Assurance to validate yarn performance and ensure all programs meet internal and external testing standards (AATCC, ASTM, and J.Crew benchmarks).
• Monitor mill quality and consistency across dye lots, fiber blends, and spinning systems; lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions as needed.
• Partner with Production and Technical Design to ensure yarn suitability and performance through the development process, proto and bulk stages.
• Partner with Design and Sustainability teams to develop innovative yarns using responsible fibers, recycled content, and low-impact dyeing and finishing methods.
• Champion advancements in spinning and finishing technologies to enhance softness, durability, and environmental performance.
• Expand the use of traceable and certified fiber programs to support corporate sustainability goals and product transparency.
• Oversee the seasonal yarn development calendar and ensure timely delivery of all milestones from concept to bulk production.
• Partner with Production to manage smooth integration between yarn sourcing, garment vendors, and factory partners.
• Maintain accurate yarn data, color standards, and tracking in PLM systems.
• Present seasonal yarn developments and platform carryovers in Raw Material Alignment and design review meetings.
• Negotiate annual yarn pricing, capacity commitments, and cost-engineering opportunities while maintaining quality and design intent.
• Manage vendor scorecards focused on quality, delivery, responsiveness, and sustainability.
• Partner with Production to monitor raw material commitments, liabilities.
• Partner with the Sourcing and Production Team to foster accountability and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the key liaison between internal brand teams and global yarn suppliers.
• Represent the Sweater Yarn category in Raw Material Alignment, Innovation, and Sustainability/Traceability meetings.

Benefits

• Health & Well-being - Eligible associates and family members receive medical, dental, prescription and vision insurance, family planning (fertility, adoption & surrogacy support), fitness discounts, medical travel and more.
• Associate Discount - We love our products just as much as you do! That’s why we offer a great associate discount across all of our brands (J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, and Madewell).
• Summer Fridays - In addition to our hybrid work model, we also close our office at 1:00 PM every Friday during the Summer months.
• Community Impact - We support the communities where we live and work through our philanthropic efforts and the J.Crew Cares Program.
• Winter Break - In addition to our PTO package, J.Crew Group offers a winter break at the end of December to eligible full-time associates at the Home Office to provide time to refresh and recharge.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees