Fabric Development Lead — Innovation & Sustainability

Matalan; Knowsley; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount 20%

Thrive Recognition Scheme

Wellbeing support

Life Assurance

Retail Rewards platform

Pension Scheme

Career development

Additional benefits

Job summary

Matalan is seeking a Fabric Manager to lead development and sourcing of fabrics, ensuring quality, performance, sustainability, and cost targets. You will collaborate with Buying, Design, Technical, and Supply Chain teams to drive end-to-end fabric development aligned with customer expectations and critical path requirements.

Join a team focused on innovation, supplier relationships, and knowledge sharing, as we advance fabric standards, library management, and global supply chain coordination.

Qualifications

• Textile Technology or Fabric related degree.
• Experience in Fabric Development/Management within a fashion or homeware omni channel retailer.
• Strong fabric knowledge across multiple bases.
• Experience in Textile Testing and fabric standards.
• Fabric Sustainability knowledge advantageous.
• Experience of Supply Chain management on an international basis.
• Good communication with overseas suppliers and factories.
• Highly organised with acute attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and management of fabrics and yarns to meet objectives.
• Drive fabric innovation by identifying new materials and industry trends.
• Own and improve core fabric standards with data-informed decisions.
• Develop and manage the fabric library for consistency and cost optimisation.
• Provide specialist guidance and training to cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate to drive consistent quality across fabrics and suppliers.
• Lead sustainability initiatives and responsible material choices.
• Identify opportunities to rationalise fabric routes and reduce duplication.
• Represent Matalan at fabric exhibitions and supplier events.
• Lead deep-dive initiatives using customer insight and performance data.
• Resolve fabric-related production issues with root-cause analysis.
• Identify, trial and embed new technologies to enhance fabric function.

Skills

Fabric knowledge

International supply chain

Communication skills

Detail oriented

Education

Textile Technology or Fabric degree

Tools

Digiview

PLM

3D modelling

Job description

Matalan is seeking a Fabric Manager to lead development and sourcing of fabrics, ensuring quality, performance, sustainability, and cost targets. You will collaborate with Buying, Design, Technical, and Supply Chain teams to drive end-to-end fabric development aligned with customer expectations and critical path requirements.

Join a team focused on innovation, supplier relationships, and knowledge sharing, as we advance fabric standards, library management, and global supply chain coordination.