Raw Material Specialist

TEKsystems•Carlsbad, CA

3d•$45 - $50•Hybrid

About The Position

This role collaborates with the Raw Materials Manager, Product Development, Sourcing, Sustainability, Design, Merchandising, and Quality teams to execute product initiatives utilizing creative thinking and problem-solving skills. The Raw Material Specialist coordinates the fabric/trim sourcing, data management, construction, testing, quality, color approvals and costing which results in the commercial execution of all materials and trims.

Requirements

Able to establish and maintain schedules by prioritizing heavy workloads and multiple seasons overlapping
A problem-solving solver, able to work on multiple projects at a time.
Able to maintain a professional demeanor and openness to new ideas and change
Bachelor’s degree in Apparel &/or Textile Product Development, Merchandising or Design is required
0-2 years of industry experience in Product Development/Material Development
Knowledge of material construction, fabrics (knits & wovens) & their properties, and trims in the following (Men’s, Women’s &/or Accessories) categories: Outerwear, Mid-Layer, Performance, Activewear, Swimwear, Lifestyle, Sweaters, Dresses, Accessories
Understanding of supply chain transparency and compliance
Experience in costing and negotiating
Passion and drive for Sustainability
Working knowledge of: PDM systems, Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint

Responsibilities

Assists with the material development time & action calendar based on development calendar and collaborates with Design, Sustainability, Sourcing, Merchandising, Product Development and Quality teams to achieve commercial viability of materials.
Collaborates with Design, PD and Merchandising teams to identify material needs at the start of a season
In partnership with Design, Sourcing, Merchandising, Product Development and Quality team, assists in executing the development of fabrics & trims to support vision, sustainability initiatives, sourcing strategy and product requirements.
Communicates daily with our domestic & international material suppliers to enhance sourcing strategy, creating respectful, symbiotic relationships for combined growth
Coordinates materials sourcing requests by preparing and sending materials and/or briefs to qualified mill partners for sourcing to ensure costs, MOQ, lead-times and technical qualities are met per Design’s intentions
Cross-functional interaction with all departments of to 1- deliver the highest quality, most sustainable product in our market, and 2- communicate the material attributes & vision.
Maintains knowledge of industry trends and current events to align product line with industry progress and growth, as well as company goals and strategies.
Coordinates & provides input to Merchandising team to maintain a well-balanced materials offering with consistency across divisions and within categories