Manager, Trends- Color Execution

Position Summary...

What youll do...

• Own color quality execution for assigned categories from development through bulk production aligning expectations standards and timelines with Design Product Development Sourcing and Quality.
• Evaluate and approve or reject color submissionsincluding lab dips print strikeoffs bulk production shade bands product mockups and instore testing failuresusing both digital color data and controlled visual assessment.
• Apply digital color management tools to assess color difference shade continuity and acceptability; document decisions and communicate clear pass/fail rationales to internal partners and suppliers.
• Partner daily with a colocated thirdparty Lab Colorist to manage evaluation priorities servicelevel expectations and escalation or override needs.
• Ensure proper visual color evaluation practices are consistently followed (standard illuminants calibrated light booths neutral surroundings observer practices and viewing geometry) to minimize variability and metamerism risk.
• Lead rootcause investigations and corrective actions for color testing failures in partnership with Product Development and Quality; coordinate containment plans and retest strategies with vendors and mills.
• Provide technical guidance and training to vendors and mills on color standards submission requirements measurement conditions and process controls impacting color outcomes.
• Maintain and support digital color workflows and libraries (standards targets tolerances and approval records) to ensure traceability and auditready documentation.
• Translate complex color science concepts into clear practical guidance for nontechnical audiences through training job aids and supplier communications.
• Drive continuous improvement in color execution processes while protecting design intent and the customer experience.

• Bachelors degree in Textiles Textile Chemistry Color Science Materials Chemistry or a related field and 2 years experience or 4 years experience using instrumental and visual methods to evaluate and approve lab dips print strikeoffs yarn dyes and bulk production.
• Handson experience setting tolerances managing shade continuity and making clear pass/fail color decisions.
• Proficiency with textile dyeing printing and finishing processes and their impact on color execution.
• Experience using spectrophotometerbased color measurement and digital color management workflows (e.g. Datacolor XRite CSI ColorFlow Natific ASAP).
• Working knowledge of proper visual color evaluation requirements including light booth setup illuminants calibration neutral surroundings and observer practices.
• Proven ability to resolve color testing failures and drive corrective actions with crossfunctional partners and external vendors/mills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to nontechnical audiences.
• Ability to prioritize follow through and perform effectively in a fastpaced deadlinedriven environment.
• Superior color vision as verified by the FarnsworthMunsell 100 Hue Test.

• Masters degree in Textiles Color Science Materials Chemistry or a related field.
• 2 years experience in apparel or fashion color execution supporting bulk production approvals with vendor and mill networks.
• 2 years experience with CSI ColorFlow and/or Natific ASAP and Datacolor and/or XRite systems including calibration measurement conditions and reporting.
• Experience supporting color accreditation programs including supplier audits lab capability verification SOP development and training.