Trim Manager, Wholesale Apparel

Premier Brands Group Holdings•New York, NY

About The Position

The Kasper Group is seeking an experienced Trim Manager to oversee trim development, sourcing, production coordination, and compliance across its women's apparel divisions. The role manages the full lifecycle of trim components, from development and vendor sourcing through approvals, testing, bulk production, and delivery. The Trim Manager works closely with Design, Product Development, Production, Sourcing, Technical Design, Quality Assurance, and Compliance to ensure trims meet design specifications, quality standards, production timelines, cost objectives, and applicable requirements. The position also manages supplier relationships, seasonal development calendars, trim inventory and records, testing and compliance documentation, and cost and process improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in apparel trim development, sourcing, production, compliance, or a related function.
Strong knowledge of trim construction, materials, packaging, labeling, and apparel product development processes.
Demonstrated experience working with domestic and overseas trim suppliers, vendors, and factories.
Strong understanding of trim testing, quality assurance, product safety requirements, and compliance documentation.
Working knowledge of applicable CPSIA, California Proposition 65, care/content labeling, retailer compliance requirements, and related regulations.
Proven ability to negotiate pricing, manage supplier relationships, and identify cost-improvement opportunities.
Experience managing seasonal development calendars, critical path timelines, approvals, and bulk production requirements.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines, suppliers, and production priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, PLM systems, and related product development tools.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing trim sourcing and development for multiple apparel brands or product categories.
Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent relevant professional experience.

Responsibilities

Manage research, development, sourcing, and execution of trim components, including hangtags, labels, patches, buttons, zippers, closures, packaging, jokers, and branded trim items.
Partner with cross-functional teams to develop trims that meet aesthetic, functional, quality, and cost requirements.
Source trims through domestic and international suppliers; evaluate vendor capabilities, pricing, lead times, and production requirements.
Negotiate trim pricing and identify alternative sourcing opportunities to improve costs and product margins.
Review trim specifications, materials, construction, and quality standards for consistency with approved designs.
Coordinate trim development, sampling, color approvals, and final approvals in line with seasonal calendars.
Identify opportunities to standardize trim components across styles and divisions to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Maintain knowledge of trim materials, supplier capabilities, and sourcing opportunities.
Oversee seasonal trim calendars, work-in-progress reports, and critical path timelines across assigned divisions.
Monitor trim inventory, purchasing requirements, production status, and delivery schedules.
Coordinate with vendors, factories, and internal Production teams to support timely trim orders and bulk deliveries.
Communicate trim specifications, packaging instructions, labeling requirements, and testing standards to manufacturing partners.
Manage bulk trim approvals and ensure components are approved before production.
Identify and resolve trim-related quality, production delay, shortage, pricing, and delivery issues.
Monitor supplier performance and work with vendors to improve quality, service, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery.
Maintain seasonal trim libraries, vendor records, approved samples, sourcing documentation, and production records.
Partner with Production and Sourcing teams to support material availability and minimize production disruptions.
Oversee trim testing requirements and confirm components meet company, customer, and applicable regulatory standards.
Partner with Quality Assurance and Compliance teams on CPSIA, California Proposition 65, retailer requirements, labeling regulations, and product safety standards.
Manage testing schedules, review laboratory reports, and maintain certifications and compliance documentation.
Ensure trim materials, labeling, and packaging meet quality and performance specifications before bulk production.
Identify product safety, quality, and compliance concerns and coordinate corrective actions.
Work with factories and suppliers to resolve failed tests, quality discrepancies, and compliance issues.
Support customer audits, retailer compliance initiatives, sustainability programs, and corporate quality standards as required.
Monitor regulatory and retailer requirement changes affecting trim development, sourcing, and execution.
Review trim costs and supplier quotations for alignment with cost targets and business objectives.
Identify cost savings through competitive sourcing, vendor negotiations, material substitutions, and process improvements.
Partner with Costing and Production teams to evaluate the financial impact of trim selections and supplier changes.
Maintain accurate trim cost information and communicate pricing changes to internal partners.
Establish and maintain efficient trim development, approval, and tracking procedures.
Identify opportunities to streamline vendor communication, testing processes, and documentation.
Advise cross-functional teams on trim feasibility, sourcing challenges, and production requirements.