Fabric R&D Manager

TN United Kingdom; London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking fashion brand as an R&D Fabric Manager, where creativity meets sustainability. In this pivotal role, you'll lead the exploration of innovative textiles, collaborating with designers and suppliers to craft captivating fabrics. Your expertise will drive product development while ensuring compliance with safety regulations. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of fashion in a dynamic and supportive environment, where your ideas will truly make a difference. If you're passionate about sustainability and innovation, this is the perfect role for you.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Company bonus potential

Flexible/hybrid working

Private health insurance

Cycle to work scheme

Up to 50% discount

Retail discounts

Social events

Special treats for birthdays

Long service recognition

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in fabric research and development in the apparel industry.
• Strong understanding of textile science and innovative fabric technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and research of new fabrications to enhance product development.
• Collaborate with design, buying, compliance, and technical teams to ensure fabric quality.

Skills

Textile Science

Fabric Research and Development

Project Management

Communication Skills

Creative Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Textile Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design

Job description

Join us at Disturbia, where we prioritize creativity and innovation in everything we 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 designers, suppliers, and industry talent to craft fabrics that captivate our customers. This is an opportunity to be at the heart of a bold brand, where your ideas will shape the future of our collections.

Sustainability is a key focus for us, and we’re looking for someone who shares our respect for the planet. If you’re passionate about innovation, sustainability, and making your mark in a dynamic industry, we’d love to have you on this journey.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and research of new fabrications to enhance product development and sustainability across all categories.
• Create an archive of fabrics for each collection/season, including print strike-offs, trims, and hardware.
• Collaborate with design, buying, compliance, and technical teams to ensure fabric quality meets specifications.
• Stay updated on industry trends and emerging fabric technologies.
• Visit fabric sourcing fairs with the design and buying teams to develop relationships with suppliers.
• Manage relationships with fabric suppliers and negotiate contracts for flexible production pathways.
• Negotiate pricing for proto development and order sample yardage for novelty fabrics.
• Manage seasonal fabric and trim libraries, and review new swatches with relevant teams.
• Ensure fabrics meet safety regulations and are free from harmful chemicals, linking with REACH compliance.
• Partner with mills and suppliers certified under Okeo-Tex Standard 100.
• Test fabrics according to textile testing standards, working closely with technical teams.
• Build transparent relationships with fabric mills to ensure traceability of sourcing and origins.
• Collaborate with technical teams for best practice sourcing and providing technical info for labels and product descriptions.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, Fashion Design, or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in fabric research and development in the apparel industry.
• Strong understanding of textile science and innovative fabric technologies.
• Excellent project management, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Creative problem-solving, entrepreneurial spirit, and attention to detail and quality.
• Benefits include 25 days annual leave, company bonus potential, flexible/hybrid working, private health insurance, cycle to work scheme, up to 50% discount, retail discounts, social events, and special treats for birthdays and long service.

Welcome to Disturbia. We’re an independent, subculture-led fashion brand creating authentic attire for a global community of kindred spirits who think outside the box.

Our designs are inspired by the outcast, the esoteric, and the occult—constantly redefining fashion trends in unexpected ways. We stand for the other in society, committed to our community and having fun along the way.

As we grow, we seek like-minded individuals passionate about their work and dedicated to making our brand the best as we explore new frontiers.