Sr. Associate, Raw Materials Development, FTW

Tory Burch • New York, NY

3d

About The Position

The Sr. Associate of Raw Materials is a cross-functional partner who works closely with the Manager of Raw Materials to translate Design’s vision through the development and sourcing of on-brand, on-trend leathers for footwear. The role sources trend-right, cost-effective materials in alignment with key development calendar milestones, maintains accurate reporting on material development and approval status, and monitors material deliverables from first prototype through SMS to meet deadlines.

The Sr. Associate creates and maintains seasonal material records, establishes clear material standards and costs, manages the materials library, and oversees material and finishing processes directly with overseas teams and T2 suppliers. The role works with Design, Product Development, merchandising, suppliers, shoe factories, and global country office teams throughout the seasonal development cycle.

Requirements

• BS, BA, or BFA degree.
• Strong understanding of the seasonal development process, including material tracking, supplier follow-up, color development, approvals, and calendar milestones.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, identify gaps or delays, and follow through on next steps.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work cross-functionally with Design, Product Development, suppliers, and global country office teams.
• Comfort working in PLM and related systems to maintain accurate material, color, supplier, and reporting data.

Nice To Haves

• Three or more years of experience in raw materials, sourcing, materials development, product development, or a related function.

Responsibilities

• Schedule, track, and report on all requested materials.
• Collaborate with Design to maintain the seasonal color palette and execute and distribute lab dips.
• Coordinate with suppliers to schedule and monitor SMS material orders.
• Maintain and issue approved standards for quality, colors, and acceptable color variation to suppliers and overseas teams and factories.
• Work with the Manager on seasonal offering needs to identify on-brand material, supplier, and cost options.
• Attend relevant material shows to identify sources and research trends.
• Coordinate supplier appointments in line with the calendar.
• Collaborate with suppliers and shoe factories to review quality and on-time delivery performance and suggest areas and timing for improvements.
• Review materials for quality and performance and problem-solve quality lapses.
• Ensure materials meet performance and restricted-substance requirements before production.
• Test questionable materials and treatments during development for performance and restricted-substance compliance.
• Set up materials in PLM.
• Direct compilation and review of leather detail sheets for accuracy, quality, affordability, and compliance before issuance.
• Maintain development tracking and adoption records.
• Work with Product Development and merchandising to find ways to use liability materials in sampling and production.
• Generate material sample purchase orders in Finale or PLM when necessary.
• Interact daily with Design, Product Development, and overseas offices on material development.
• Direct tracking and material submissions throughout the development cycle.
• Participate and contribute in product-related meetings.
• Act as a resource for material and color collaboration with other product categories.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and rewards for high performance.
• Generous benefits supporting mental and physical health, financial security, and wellness.
• Employee discount and access to exclusive sample sales.
• Free on-demand executive coaching.
• Paid volunteer days and opportunities to give back through the Tory Burch Foundation.

What This Job Offers

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