Fabric Sourcing Manager

The Retail Partnership Ltd; London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer is seeking a Fabric Sourcing Manager in London to innovate and develop fabrics for prestigious fashion brands. This hybrid role involves collaboration with designers and fabric mills to ensure high-quality fabric development while managing cost-effectiveness and timely deliveries.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in fabric sourcing and development.
• Strong expertise in fabric qualities, lead times, and pricing.
• Well-established network of fabric mills and agents.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the main contact for fabric mills and designers.
• Source quality fabrics while ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Negotiate fabric prices and manage bulk orders.

Skills

Fabric sourcing expertise

Negotiation skills

Organisational skills

Job description

We are exclusively recruiting for a leading manufacturer that supplies some of the world's most prestigious fashion brands. Specialising in knitted and woven products, they are seeking a Fabric Sourcing Manager to source and develop innovative fabrics that meet the latest trends and customer demands.

In this role, you will act as the key liaison between Designers, Product Developers, and fabric mills, ensuring seamless collaboration and high-quality fabric development.

Based in London, this role offers hybrid working.

Main Responsibilities will include:

Serve as the main point of contact for all fabric mills, agents, and designers.

Collaborate closely with Designers to fully understand their briefs, capabilities, and limitations.

Source quality fabrics while maintaining cost-effectiveness and ensuring they align with the desired aesthetic.

Negotiate fabric prices and work closely with the Merchandising team to secure the best deals, exploring cross-sourcing options when necessary.

Oversee the critical path, maintaining close communication with agents and mills to ensure timely submissions and sampling.

Assess sample quality, working in partnership with Fabric & Garment Technologists.

Approve and manage bulk fabric orders.

Develop and maintain a centralised fabric database of all ongoing and newly developed qualities.

Build, manage, and strengthen relationships with fabric agents and mills.

Key Requirements:

Previous experience in fabric sourcing and development.

Strong expertise in fabric qualities, lead times, and pricing.

A well-established network of fabric mills and agents.

Excellent organisational and negotiation skills.

Positive attitude and approach.

A self-starter who can work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.