Raw Materials Specialist

u&i Search; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion industry innovator in the UK is looking for a Raw Materials Specialist. This role is critical for sourcing sustainable materials and collaborating with design and supply chain teams. The ideal candidate has over 4 years of experience in raw material sourcing, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for sustainability. The position offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary DOE

Excellent holidays and other benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum 4+ years experience in yarn and/or raw material sourcing.
• Strong technical understanding of yarns and fabrics.
• Proven experience in supplier sourcing and negotiation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Yarn and Raw Material strategy.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships.
• Negotiate pricing and service levels with suppliers.
• Drive innovation in raw materials.

Skills

Yarn and raw material sourcing

Sustainable materials knowledge

Project management

Communication skills

Tools

PLM or similar materials management systems

Job description

Our client is a dynamic and innovative co-creation partner for major UK retailer brands, covering Knitwear, Lingerie, and Activewear. As part of our growth strategy, they are looking to attract talented individuals to work closely with their in‑house design and global supply chain teams. As Raw Materials Specialist you will play a critical role in driving innovation, sourcing and technical expertise in raw materials across all product categories. The role will focus on ensuring that the UK and global teams have access to the most suitable, sustainable, and commercially viable raw materials, supporting product design, development, and bulk production.

Raw Materials Specialist - The Role :

• Develop and implement a Yarn and Raw Material strategy aligned with product categories and customer requirements.
• Create and maintain a material library, ensuring up‑to‑date records of innovations, supplier capabilities, and sustainable options.
• Align with the Global Head of RM and UK COO on future sourcing strategies and seasonal material direction.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new yarn and material suppliers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key mills and suppliers, ensuring consistent quality, cost competitiveness, and innovation.
• Negotiate pricing, MOQs, lead times, and service levels with suppliers.
• Drive innovation in yarns and / or raw materials, ensuring alignment with sustainability goals and customer expectations.
• Work closely with the design and product teams to identify sustainable material options and track environmental impact metrics (e.g., carbon footprint, water usage).
• Partner with mills and suppliers on circularity initiatives, recycled content, and low‑impact dyeing and finishing techniques.
• Work hand‑in‑hand with designers and product developers to recommend suitable yarns and materials for each product category.
• Ensure all selected raw materials meet the performance, aesthetic, and cost requirements of the customer brief.
• Support the sample room and development process by ensuring timely material
• Provide technical guidance on yarn and fabric properties, ensuring optimal construction, performance, and fit across all product categories.
• Troubleshoot any raw material issues during development and production, working closely with suppliers and internal teams.
• Work closely with the global supply chain team to ensure materials are sourced efficiently, and supplier capabilities are leveraged across the global business.
• Align UK requirements with global sourcing strategies, ensuring synergies across regions.
• Continuously monitor market trends, competitor materials, and emerging technologies, providing regular updates and recommendations to the design and product teams.
• Conduct competitive shopping exercises to benchmark material offerings against key competitors.
• Ensure all raw materials comply with relevant safety, chemical, and performance standards, as well as customer‑specific requirements.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to material quality, supply chain disruption, and cost inflation.

Raw Materials Specialist - The Candidate :

• Minimum 4+ years experience in yarn and / or raw material sourcing / development, ideally across knitwear, lingerie, and activewear.
• Strong technical understanding of yarns, fabrics, knitting technologies, dyeing & finishing processes.
• Proven experience in supplier sourcing and negotiation.
• Solid understanding of sustainable materials and circularity principles.
• Strong project management skills and ability to work across cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Experience working with both large retailers and niche brands.
• Proficiency in PLM or similar materials management systems.
• Passionate about sustainability and innovation.
• Strong attention to detail and problem‑solving mindset.
• Able to work independently while collaborating effectively across global teams.
• Proactive and solution‑focused approach.

Raw Materials Specialist - The Package :

• Competitive salary DOE
• Excellent holidays and other benefits

Due to the anticipated interest in this role only short‑listed candidates will be contacted.

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