Fabric Associate

Crate and Barrel•Northbrook, IL

28d•Hybrid

About The Position

We inspire purpose-filled living that brings beauty and quality to the modern home. Together, we achieve. Associates across our business drive results, innovate, and inspire. Drawn together by our shared values and passion for our customers and our brands, we deliver home furnishings that are expertly designed, responsibly sourced, and bring timeless style and function to people's homes. From the day we opened our first store in Chicago in 1962 to the digital innovations that engage millions of customers today, our iconic brand is over 60 years in the making-and our story is still unfolding. We're here for it. We think you should be too. We're looking for a driven professional with an inclusive mindset to join our team as a Fabric Associate. The Fabric Associate provides essential support to the Fabric Manager, Upholstery by handling day-to-day data management, sample tracking, reporting, and cross-functional coordination. This role will ensure accuracy and efficiency in fabric-related processes by managing details behind sourcing, quality, and product development activities. The Fabric Associate is a highly organized, detail-oriented team member who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enables the broader sourcing team to deliver against business goals. This is an on-site position (Monday through Thursday) based out of our Northbrook, IL offices with the flexibility to work remotely on Fridays.

Requirements

Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
Excellence in Microsoft Excel, Google Suite (Sheets, Docs, Slides), familiarity with ERP or PLM systems a plus.
Ability to manage multiple trackers, calendars, and competing deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Comfort working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with an ability to multi-task and maintain a sense of urgency.
Interest in textiles, sourcing, or product development (experience in textiles a plus).
Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or related field preferred; relevant work experience considered.
1-3 years of experience in planning, sourcing support, merchandising, or data management.
Knowledge of textiles, fabric development, or product lifecycle management a plus.
Experience in data entry, spreadsheet management, and sample/swatches organization highly valued.

Responsibilities

Create, maintain and update the fabric database, including testing records, cost information, fiber content, mill/tannery and origin details.
Enter and track fabric usage data, forecasts, and mill production reports to support Planning and Sourcing decisions.
Compile spreadsheets, trackers, and reports for the Fabric Manager to use in mill negotiations, capacity review, cost analysis, and business reviews.
Manage the organization, cataloging, and distribution of fabric swatches for sourcing and if needed, suppliers.
Coordinate status with mills on timing of sample yardage shipments and bulk approval status to ensure timely execution to CBH or suppliers.
Maintain and prepare swatch references for internal reviews and vendor meetings.
Collect and organize mill/tannery spec/data documentation, including test results, cost, content, capacity constraints etc.
In partnership with Quality & Compliance teams, track and follow up as needed on corrective actions or testing requirements.
Support follow-up with vendors/mills on open action items or missing information.
Monitor key dates and milestones in the fabric development and sourcing calendar.
Provide reminders, updates, and status reports to keep projects on schedule.
Assist in organizing internal fabric review meetings and cross-functional updates.
Partner with Design, Product Development, and Planning by providing updated data, swatches, and documentation as needed.
Act as a support point of contact for routine information requests between internal teams and mills.
Help facilitate communication to ensure alignment on timelines, requirements, and deliverables.