Fabric Library Associate

Perry Ellis International • New York, NY

3d • $70,000 - $80,000

About The Position

The Fabric Library Associate supports fabric development, sourcing, and quality assurance processes across Perry Ellis International’s portfolio of brands. The role oversees the centralized fabric library, global fabric testing workflows, and compliance documentation, while coordinating communication among internal design teams, global sourcing offices, vendors, and overseas mill partners.

The associate tracks fabric references and development timelines; curates knit and woven swatches; coordinates physical and performance testing; manages test documentation, results, approvals, and invoices; and maintains organized sample archives and resource rooms. The role also helps route submissions to regional offices and partners, prepares and labels swatches, coordinates meetings and shipments, and participates in design handoffs to support seasonal product development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design, Apparel Production, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of hands-on experience in fabric coordination, textile development, or apparel sourcing.
• Working knowledge of knit and woven fabric constructions, textile physical properties, and laboratory testing standards such as SGS and Intertek.
• Experience using PLM software and ERP platforms such as NetSuite for documentation, tracking, and invoice processing.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel or Sheets.
• Exceptional organizational skills and rigorous attention to detail in library management, labeling, and record-keeping.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for liaising with global sourcing hubs, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
• Proactive, collaborative problem-solving skills and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced product development environment.
• Effective time management and the ability to prioritize multi-brand development deadlines and testing turnaround times.

Responsibilities

• Create, track, and double-check unique fabric reference numbers and callouts across internal and supplier submissions.
• Monitor and follow up on active weekly developments to maintain project timelines and delivery schedules.
• Curate, filter, and integrate incoming knit and woven fabric swatches into the centralized fabric library.
• Partner with design teams to understand seasonal material needs, aesthetics, and performance specifications.
• Cross-reference internal archives to identify existing materials before initiating new development items.
• Coordinate physical and performance testing for knit and woven fabrics with regional offices, third-party labs, and mills.
• Manage Test Request Form documentation, review pass/fail lab results, and ensure technical compliance.
• Process and reconcile testing invoices with Accounting using ERP systems such as NetSuite.
• Verify test approvals for selected fabrics and upload documentation into the PLM system.
• Manage daily email communication with vendors and regional sourcing teams in a timely manner.
• Document verbal discussions and meeting outcomes through written follow-ups.
• Maintain the fabric resource room, binder library, and sample archiving system.
• Facilitate timely shipment of sample packages and circulate tracking documentation across global offices.
• Schedule and coordinate vendor, mill, and trim supplier meetings, recording actionable notes and key takeaways.
• Collaborate with Sourcing leadership to route fabric submissions to appropriate regional offices and overseas partners.
• Prepare and mount fabric swatches and cuttings, labeling brand, season, and design specifications accurately.
• Participate in regular design handoff meetings to align on brand aesthetics, material performance, and seasonal targets.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a discretionary company match.
• Company-provided Basic Life and AD&D Insurance.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• 24/7 personal support through the Member Assistance Program (MAP).
• Associate engagement events, including seasonal celebrations and on-site wellness activities.
• Associate clothing discounts across company stores and e-commerce sites.

What This Job Offers

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