Fabric Technologist

SanMar; Dubai; On-site; AED 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

SanMar in Dubai seeks an experienced textile colorist to manage color development from concept to approval, coordinating with mills, suppliers, and the merchandising team.

You will evaluate color submissions using the Data Color DC800 spectrophotometer, maintain color standards for the Dubai office, and ensure fabric/color specifications meet garment requirements. The role requires 6–8 years in textiles, strong vision, and excellent communication in English; travel to supplier sites is expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6–8 years as a textile fabric colorist.
• Experience in color development and approval processes.
• Experience with spectrophotometer testing and color data.

Responsibilities

• Process color briefs from buyers with the merchandising team.
• Assess color submissions visually and with a spectrophotometer.
• Communicate decisions and required actions to suppliers and merchandisers.
• Travel to suppliers for pre-production meetings and training.
• Maintain color records and manage Dubai color standards.
• Coordinate with mills to apply new color technologies.
• Review lab test results and provide technical support.
• Organize and maintain the fabric library and documentation.
• Oversee dye lot management and raw materials bookings.
• Ensure color development aligns with garment specifications.

Skills

Color vision

Communication skills

English fluency

Attention to detail

Education

Textile Coloration and Dyeing degree/diploma

Tools

Data Color DC800 Spectrophotometer

Job description

• Work closely with the merchandise team to assist in processing color briefs received from buyers
• Assess color submissions from suppliers (both visually and using a spectrophotometer)
• Make decisions on these submissions and communicate results or action to be taken to suppliers, merchandisers, and buyers
• Communicate and work with suppliers to overcome problems
• On occasion, travel to suppliers to hold pre-production meetings, to train them on our process, or to overcome issues
• Maintain good records of all decisions made and the management of color. Also manage all color standards for the Dubai office
• Communicate with suppliers and ensure they know our process and requirements
• Assess test reports for new fabrics and colors
• Able to work with mills to apply new technologies of yarn/chemical and to create/develop new fabrications to suit the ASI industry
• Identify and communicate to supplier/mill to develop and source new fabric concepts commercially
• Manage raw materials bookings and dye lots of approval status
• Evaluate lab test results, provide technical support and solutions to adhere to company standards and requirements
• Manage and maintain the fabric library in the office so everyone can easily access each item when needed
• Organize necessary documentation to ensure the specifications and other vital information are captured and maintained until it is handed over to the merchandise team to manage garment development or production

• Has been employed in a similar capacity in a textile mill or international buying/sourcing office
• Has had 6 to 8 years of experience as a textile fabric colorist
• Must have excellent vision and color perception. Must be able to pass the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test and should achieve a score of 24 or less. (Preferably, should get a superior discrimination rating of 0 – 16).
• It would be a great advantage if the candidate has studied a Textile Coloration and Dyeing degree or diploma, or a similar Textile qualification.
• Should have a thorough understanding, experience, and knowledge of the color development and approval process in textiles.
• Knowledge of dyeing would be an added advantage to communicate with dyeing mills.
• Experience in the testing of textiles would also be an advantage in this role.
• Should have experience managing color visually using a light box and the ability to communicate the results back to suppliers and customers effectively.
• Should also have experience operating and managing color using the ‘Data Color DC800 Spectrophotometer’ and using the software to communicate back to suppliers and customers.
• Must have excellent vision and color perception. Must be able to pass a Munsell eye test.
• Fabric knowledge in knitted/fleece, especially with performance function.
• Strong technical background on the whole fabric process from spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing to finishing.
• Understanding of the fabric development process
• Understanding how fabric would work into a garment
• Good communication skills in English.
• Should have good self-discipline and teamwork skills.