Textile & Raw Materials Specialist

Champro•Bannockburn, IL

About The Position

This role supports the development, testing and commercialization of fabrics, trims, and raw materials used across our product portfolio. The position works closely with suppliers, product development, quality, and design teams to ensure materials meet performance, quality, cost, and aesthetic requirements. This role is ideal for someone with a background in textile science, textile technology, material development, or apparel product development who wants to build expertise in fabric development and material performance.

Requirements

1-3 years of relevant experience in textiles, apparel, color, or materials development (internships included)
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Proactive communication skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks at once
Working knowledge of Excel
Bachelor's degree in Textile Science, Textile Engineering, Textile Technology, and Material Science.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of textile construction, fabric performance characteristics, fiber content, knit/woven structures, dyeing, finishing, and garment manufacturing processes preferred.
Coursework or experience in textile testing, textile science, fabric engineering, material development, quality assurance, or product development strongly preferred.
familiarity with PLM systems a plus

Responsibilities

Assist in researching and organizing new fabric, trim, and color inspiration to support seasonal concept development.
Coordinate fabric and trim testing for shrinkage, stretch, colorfastness, fiber content, durability, and other performance requirements.
Maintain material performance databases and testing history records.
Support the development of raw material quality surveillance programs and testing protocols.
Enter and maintain accurate material, trim, and color information in PLM and shared tracking tools.
Partner with Design to distribute development swatches, lab dips, and submit samples for review and approval.
Help prepare seasonal development boards and assist with internal presentations to Design and Product teams.
Monitor development calendars and follow up with vendors to keep sample and testing timelines on track.
Track material and color testing results and communicate key findings to appropriate teams.
Coordinate inbound and outbound sample shipments, ensuring proper labeling and documentation.
Help consolidate feedback from Design, Product, and Technical teams to ensure clear direction is provided to vendors.
Support vendor communication and development timelines.
Provide general administrative and logistical support to the material, trim, and color development team.
Act as a back-up to the Color Developer and assist on color-related projects as needed, based on performance and capability.
Assist in tracking fabric submittals and coordinate testing for qualities beyond color and GSM, such as shrinkage, stretch, or fiber content.
Support the development of a QC surveillance program for raw material testing—including defining testing protocols, frequency, and implementation processes—and assist in building a record-keeping system (in Google Sheets/ Smartsheet/Kubix)
Assist with QC investigations related to raw material issues (e.g., color bleeding) by identifying root causes and proposing potential resolutions for team evaluation.
Support pre-production planning efforts by helping monitor sampling timelines and, as the process is defined, coordinating expectations around TOP sample timing.