Fabric Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development research and sourcing of new and novelty fabrications to enhance product development and sustainability across all clothing categories.
• Create archive of fabrics for each collection/ season including print strike off bases trims and hardware.
• Manage fabric library in physical and digital formats of running fabric qualities and trims.
• Collaborate with design buying compliance and technical design teams to ensure fabric quality meets production specifications.
• Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies in fabric/ treatment and easy-care developments.
• Visit fabric sourcing fairs with heads of buying/ design to develop strong relationships directly with fabric/ trim suppliers.
• Manage relationships with fabric/ garment suppliers and negotiate contracts to secure flexibility in production pathways.
• Create strategies for platforming key griege fabrics allowing agility within our production lead times creating consistency of quality and price point.
• Negotiate fabric pricing for proto development and order sample yardage for novelty fabrications.
• Manage seasonal fabric trim library per product category collection and create the process for reviewing new developments with design and buying teams.
• Monitor returns and customer feedback surrounding fabric quality initiate testing and wearer trials on new fabrications.
• GPSR - Expertise with General Product Safety Regulations. Ensuring fabrics meet safety requirements are free from harmful chemicals linking with REACH Chemical compliance.
• Partnering with mills / fabric suppliers which are Okeo-Tex Standard 100 certified.
• Testing fabrics in line with the regulations and requirements for textile testing work closely with the Technical/ QC team.
• Build transparent relationships with fabric mills to provide visibility (Tier 2) traceability of the sourcing chain and fabric origins.
• Provide technical information for garment care labels and product descriptions.

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

• Bachelors degree in Textile Engineering Fashion Design or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in fabric research and development within the apparel industry.
• Strong understanding of textile science and innovative fabric technologies.
• Excellent project management skills communication and ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment.
• Creative problem-solving skills entrepreneurial spirit and a keen eye for detail and quality.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary subject to skills and experience with potential bonus and paid overtime
• Annual leave base starting at 23 days per year ( bank holidays) plus Birthday off work and ability to accrue holidays with each years service
• Free Parking
• Generous staff allowance and discount
• Free fresh fruit snacks and drinks in office
• Individual social fund
• Bi-Annual Paid team outings
• Regular pay reviews