Sr. Associate, Raw Materials Development, FTW

Tory Burch • New York, NY

4d • $80,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The Sr. Associate of Raw Materials works closely with the Manager of Raw Materials and cross-functional partners to translate Design’s vision into on-brand, on-trend leathers for footwear. The role sources trend-right, cost-effective materials in line with development calendar milestones; tracks material development and approval status; and monitors deliverables from first prototype through SMS to meet deadlines. The Sr. Associate also creates and maintains seasonal material records, establishes material standards and costs, manages the materials library, and oversees material and finishing processes with overseas teams and T2 suppliers.

The role collaborates daily with Design, Product Development, merchandising, suppliers, shoe factories, and overseas offices. It supports material development across the product lifecycle, including sourcing, quality and compliance review, color development, supplier coordination, documentation, tracking, and participation in product-related meetings. It may also support materials and colors for other product categories.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (BS, BA, or BFA).
• 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 is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Schedule, track, and report on requested materials.
• Collaborate with Design to maintain seasonal color palettes and execute and distribute lab dips.
• Coordinate with suppliers to schedule and monitor SMS material orders.
• Maintain and issue approved quality, color, and acceptable-variation standards to suppliers and overseas teams or 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 development calendar.
• Collaborate with suppliers and shoe factories to review quality and on-time delivery performance and suggest improvements.
• Review materials for quality and performance, and problem-solve quality issues.
• 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 the 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.
• Coordinate daily with Design, Product Development, and overseas offices on material development.
• Direct material tracking and submissions throughout the development cycle.
• Participate and contribute in product-related meetings.
• Serve as a resource for material and color collaboration with other product categories.
• Create and maintain seasonal material records, establish material standards and costs, manage the materials library, and oversee material and finishing processes with overseas teams and T2 suppliers.

Benefits

• 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.
• Competitive pay and rewards for high performance.

What This Job Offers

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