Food Technologist à United States

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10.06.2025

25.07.2025

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My client is a dynamic and innovative co-creation partner for major UK retailers and brands, covering Knitwear, Lingerie, and Activewear. As part of their growth strategy, they are

looking to attract talented individuals to work closely with the in-house design team and global supply chain team.

They are currently recruiting for a Yarn and Raw Material Specialist, who will play a critical role in driving innovation, sourcing, and technical expertise in yarns and 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.

Yarn and Raw Material Specialist - Key Responsibilities

Raw Material & Yarn Strategy Development

• Develop and implement a Yarn and Raw Material strategy aligned with company 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 raw materials, ensuring alignment with sustainability goals and customer expectations.

• Work closely with the design and product teams to identify sustainable material options

• Partner with mills and suppliers on circularity initiatives, recycled content, and low impact dyeing and finishing techniques.

Product Development Support

• 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 availability.

Technical Expertise & Troubleshooting

• 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.

Global Supply Chain Collaboration

• 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.

Trend & Competitor Analysis

• 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 the companies material offerings against key competitors.

Compliance & Risk Management

• 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.

Yarn and Raw Material Specialist - Desired Skills & Experience

• Minimum 7+ years experience in yarn and 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.

Personal Attributes

• 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.