Fabric And Trims Manager

ALLSAINTS; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion brand based in East London is seeking an experienced professional to lead and manage fabric sourcing and development for menswear and womenswear categories. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of textiles, negotiation skills, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. This role emphasizes sustainability and collaboration, involving frequent coordination with design and technical teams to meet product goals. The position offers a supportive team environment with opportunities for personal growth.

Benefits

Discounts at local businesses

Work in a vibrant location

Opportunities for personal growth

Qualifications

• Demonstrated strong knowledge of textiles, fabric construction, and finishing techniques.
• Proven ability to handle high-pressure environments effectively.
• Strong negotiation skills essential for cost management.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing and development of fabrications for product lines.
• Manage the annual fabric budget and ensure alignment with sustainability goals.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure accurate information flow and system completion.

Skills

Knowledge of textiles and fabric construction

Effective communication

Organizational skills

Commercial understanding of product

Confidence with Microsoft Office Suite

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving ability

Knowledge of sustainable credentials

Education

Fashion/textiles degree or equivalent

Job description

THE ALLSAINTS TEAM

At AllSaints we are in the business of feelings – making our customers feel cool and confident. If, like us, you believe in the power of a great outfit, we'd love to talk to you.

We're a global brand made up of a very diverse mix of talented people in a huge variety of roles. Our products are designed in house and made by a small number of suppliers and artisans around the world to sustainable standards.

We are a brand embarking on a very exciting plan and we are seeking new members of the team who want to contribute to this.

WHAT WE STAND FOR

The Customer is the Boss – we work as one proud team to get the best for our customers.

One Team – we are joined up and encourage others to share their ideas.

We Do What We Say We Will – we know our goals, and we work with clear outcomes in mind.

We Are Responsible – we are self aware, understand the impact we have on others and are positive about the future.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

• Lead and manage all sourcing and development of fabrications across Menswear and Womenswear Outerwear, Tailoring and Trousers, ensuring all align with the brands sustainability goals
• Launch seasonal developments with global mills, ensuring product margin is key
• Negotiate best costs and lead times to ensure best possible deliveries
• Support all apparel and accessories categories with sourcing needs
• Liaise with key license partners for sourcing support
• Work directly with the Design team to identify key fabric trends
• Have a strong understanding of brand aesthetic and drive newness through colour palette collaboration
• Main point of contact between the Design, Atelier and Technical teams
• Manage the annual fabric budget and ensure this is circulated fairly between seasons and genders
• Work effectively in collaboration with Design, Product Development, ESG, Buying and Technical teams to ensure all internal systems and trackers are complete with accurate information
• Evaluate and onboard fabric and trims suppliers that meet our aesthetic, economical, technical and sustainable needs
• Manage lab dips, strike offs and bulk approvals, ensuring colour, finish and handfeel reach brand standard
• Manage AllSaints Spitalfields – from fabrics, trims, testing, production line and delivery
• Ensure all fabric developments and sourcing bookings are in line with the Critical Path
• Manage the ordering of Atelier supplies
• Maintain transparent relationships with all suppliers to encourage open communication and collaboration
• Participate in design and technical reviews and discuss openly any foreseen product issues that do not align to our needs
• Strong negotiation skills to ensure better costs and increased profit margins
• Problem solving production issues and communicating faults to suppliers, ensuring brand success is at the forefront
• Generate purchase orders for all sampling fabrics, ensuring the budget is kept on track
• Purchase order tracking, ensure POs are generated and completed in a timely manner to align with supplier payment terms
• Visit global trade fairs to ensure sourcing trends are maintained
• Hold supplier meetings to review sourcing and manufacturing abilities.
• Maintain a fabric library for referencing
• Review test reports for each cloth used from proto stage, assessing any needs for wearer trials and ensuring all needed tests are carried out and correct standards are met for bulk production
• Regular store checks to check on quality of fabric and trims
• Manage fabric development administrative tasks, including all data collection
• Maintain a trims bible as a core reference point for all teams

ABOUT THE LOCATION

Based in our East London Studios in vibrant Shoreditch with perks and benefits offered from local businesses including discounts on food, shopping and health & beauty. Studio Location. Approximately a 10 minute walk from Liverpool Street Station and a 5 minute walk from Shoreditch High Street.

WHAT SKILLS DO I NEED FOR THE ROLE?

• Strong knowledge of textiles, fabric construction and finishing techniques
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Excellent organisational skills and time management
• Strong knowledge of the brand and product an advantage
• Strong commercial understanding of product, margin and cost
• Confidence using all programmes in the Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Outlook, Word and Powerpoint)
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise and problem solve
• Ability to handle a fast paced, high level of pressure and meet deadlines essential
• Strong negotiation skills
• Collaborative and flexible approach with the ability to communicate with all levels of the business
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects with urgency
• Strong knowledge and awareness of sustainable credentials and certifying bodies from
• Fashion / textiles or related degree (or equivalent) an advantage

Our aim is to develop truly diverse teams and create an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and able to give of their best whilst contributing to the success of our brand.

We recognise the importance and strength of diversity and commit to providing equal opportunities to everyone in our employment and recruitment processes. We safeguard against any form of discrimination irrespective of gender, gender reassignment, marital status, race, ethnic origin, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status or age.

Even if you feel you don't tick all the boxes, we'd still very much like to hear from you. We want you to know that finding people who have a passion for our brand and are open to learning is incredibly important to us.

If you need any support or adjustments during your application, please get in touch with us and we are happy to help.