Fabric R&D Manager

Disturbia; London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Fabric R&D Manager to join their innovative Design and Production Team. This role is pivotal in exploring and developing groundbreaking textiles that redefine fashion. You'll collaborate with talented designers and suppliers, ensuring that sustainability and creativity are at the forefront of your work. This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future of collections and contribute to a brand that values innovation and environmental responsibility. If you're passionate about textiles and want to make a significant impact, we invite you to join this dynamic journey.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Company bonus earning potential

Flexible working patterns

Private Health Insurance

Cycle to work scheme

Up to 50% company discount

Discounts with high street retailers

Company socials

Birthday treats

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in fabric R&D within the apparel industry.
• Strong understanding of innovative fabric technologies and textile science.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new fabrications to enhance product development.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure fabric quality meets production specifications.
• Manage relationships with fabric suppliers and negotiate contracts.

Skills

Textile Science

Project Management

Creative Problem-Solving

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design

Job description

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Fabric R&D Manager

Application Deadline: 30 April 2025

Department: Design

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: London

Reporting To: Sarah Wilkinson

Description

Join us at Disturbia where we prioritise creativity and innovation in everything we are do. We're searching for an experienced R&D Fabric Manager to join our visionary Design and Production Team, leading the exploration and development of groundbreaking textiles that push the boundaries of fashion.

In this role, you'll collaborate with a team of designers, suppliers, and industry talent to craft fabrication which will captivate our customers. This is an opportunity to be at the heart of a brand with bold ambitions, where your ideas won't just be heard-they'll shape the future of our collections.

Sustainability is a significant focus for us, and we're looking for someone who shares our deep respect for the planet. If you're passionate about innovation, sustainability, and making your mark in an ever-evolving industry, we'd love to have you on this journey

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and research of new and novelty fabrications to enhance product development and sustainability across all categories.
• Create archive of fabrics for each collection/ season including print strike off bases, trims and hardware.
• 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 suppliers and negotiate contracts to secure flexibility in production pathways. Create strategy for greige fabrics allowing agility within our supply base.
• Negotiate 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 swatches with design and buying teams.
• 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, Partnering closely with the technical team.
• Building transparent relationships with fabric mills to provide visibility (Tier 2) traceability of the sourcing chain and fabric origins.
• Partner with the Head of Technical Design and technical team to ensure best practice sourcing for fabrics and trims.
• Provide technical information for garment care labels and product descriptions.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Bachelor's 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

• 25 days annual leave, increasing with length of service
• Company bonus earning potential
• Flexible working patterns and hybrid working patterns
• Private Health Insurance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Up to 50% company discount
• Discounts with a variety of high street retailers
• Twice yearly company socials and once quarterly team socials + regular treats throughout the year
• Birthday and long service treats