Raw Materials Specialist

Newell Brands•Petaluma, CA

6d•$80,600 - $98,550

About The Position

The Raw Materials Specialist will assist in the development and sourcing of seasonal fabric to ensure the best quality, cost and speed, ensuring that the Category Manager and designers aesthetic vision is achieved. Collaborate with cross functional partners; Design, global Supply Chain, Planning and Sales, off shore raw materials teams and mills to achieve Newell Brands Technical Apparel (NBTA) materials objectives. The position assists in setting specification and qualifying fabrics to execute the appropriate design interpretation, as well as, the technical performance characteristics to meet end use requirements. The incumbent populates, catalogues and manages the fabric library with specific fabrics while supporting ongoing seasonal development of fabrics as required.

Requirements

University or four-year college degree in textiles, fashion or apparel design or equivalent experience
A minimum of 2-5 years of experience with fabric production, preferably in the outdoor, travel, or similar apparel manufacturing industry
Practical knowledge of related functions such as apparel design, production, sales and merchandising, and practical knowledge of product application and functionality are required
Knowledge of manufacturing process, fabrics, mechanical and chemical treatment, and comfortable in foreign work environments
Knowledge of textile and material construction and properties
Knowledge of product costs
Must have excellent color sense
Ability to manage and lead change
Presentation/speaking skills
Strong oral and written communication skills
Demonstrated collaboration, interpersonal influence, and teamwork skills (maintains effective communication and working relationships)
Results orientation while exhibiting great creativity, energy, and resourcefulness
Strong project planning, organizational and time management skills and a high level of initiative
Fast, efficient, nimble. Experience working in a shifting and collaborative environment with a great deal of constructive feedback and input
Team player
Able to manage to deadlines, be flexible with change, drive to timely resolution
Strong analytical skills and data-driven thinking
Proficiency in all Microsoft programs; intermediate Microsoft Excel skills required
Knowledge of Adobe Illustrator
Sense of humor and a passion for what you do
Able to travel up to 5% of the year, including international travel to visit factories and mills

Responsibilities

Fabric Development and Sourcing
Under supervision, collaborate with Category Manager and design to understand seasonal brand direction and needs. Focus on pre-season developments that deliver against the brands aesthetics.
Coordinates development of new fabric finish effects with vendors and the overseas fabric teams.
Coordinates directly with the overseas fabric team and/or vendors to research fabrics
Follow up with mills and off shore team members to ensure a completed Fabric Development Sheet and timely receipt of strike offs and fabric trials.
Manage the fabric library.
Quality.
Ensure all fabrics identified as a risk are added to the chart and follow up to ensure all testing and risk mitigation is completed.
Requests color standard needed. Initiates color standard distribution to domestic and Asian mills, and other areas when needed.
Drafts and maintains seasonal mill card/item code fabric development books with current developments and lab dip approvals.
Manage the Risk Assessment Tracking chart.
Evaluates completed sample fabrics for weight, construction and finish, when requested.
Process
Maintain reporting metrics which will ensure the team is driving efficiency and continuous improvement.
Ensure raw material calendar deadlines are met; provide timely updates on how development is progressing.
Attends fabric hand-off meetings to review fabric selection and developments per season.
Creates and maintains fabric profiles/item codes following fabric hand-off meetings.
Attends key merchandising and design milestone meetings to advise on the development of desired fabric finishes and hand standards.
Attends key meetings/fabric fairs/expos to identify potential fabric for new seasons, as requested by design. Assists in creating seasonal fabric trend presentations to share with design.
Understand seasonal strategies to align day to day responsibilities.
Receive and send parcels for the department
Decision Making
Ability to establish and build relationships across the organization and with supply chain partners.
Ability to synthesize issues and propose solutions.
Develop and utilizes KPIs to manage vendor performance, creative business strategies and award programs.
Resourcefulness/Creativity
Ability to develop creative and actionable solutions based on coaching and learning opportunities.
Solve problems and make tactical and strategic decisions for all assigned responsibilities.
Effectively and concurrently manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Informs Design on any salesman sample fabric discrepancies and provides options.
Environment
Must be able to operate in an environment of changing priorities and deadline.
Meets regularly with the Category Manager(s) to stay current on most recent fabric developments and sourcing directions. Actively manages professional development.
Ability to work closely with internal customers and other interested parties to deliver results that are in the best interest of facility and the corporation.
Time Management and organizational skills to promote efficiencies with internal and external partners.
Strong written and verbal communication to report progress, challenges and risk.
Ability to work well under pressure and drive deadlines.