Fabric Lead, Women's Polo

Brobston Group; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Brobston Group’s Polo Women’s division seeks a Fabric Lead to drive fabric strategy, researching development and execution that meets quality, cost, sustainability, and speed-to-market goals.

You will partner with design, product development, sourcing, and production to deliver innovative fabrics and build strong supplier relationships while coaching a growing team.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in textile research, fabric development, sourcing, and raw material innovation within apparel.

Responsibilities

• Lead seasonal fabric strategy, research, development, and innovation.
• Identify fabric opportunities through trend research, competitive analysis, market insights, and supplier partnerships.
• Present fabric concepts and recommendations to leadership and cross-functional partners.
• Oversee development from concept through commercialization, ensuring quality, cost, and calendar alignment.
• Build global mill and supplier relationships and partner with development, sourcing, and production teams to resolve issues.
• Champion sustainable materials, maintain fabric libraries, and coach and develop team members.

Skills

Fabric development

Textile research

Sourcing

Materials innovation

Leadership

Job description

Summary

The Fabric Lead directs fabric strategy, research, development, and execution across the Polo Women's business. This role partners with design, product development, sourcing, and production teams to deliver innovative fabrics that meet quality, cost, sustainability, and speed-to-market objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead seasonal fabric strategy, research, development, and innovation.
• Identify fabric opportunities through trend research, competitive analysis, market insights, and supplier partnerships.
• Present fabric concepts and recommendations to leadership and cross-functional partners.
• Oversee development from concept through commercialization, ensuring quality, cost, and calendar alignment.
• Build global mill and supplier relationships and partner with development, sourcing, and production teams to resolve issues.
• Champion sustainable materials, maintain fabric libraries, and coach and develop team members.

Requirements

• Significant experience in textile research, fabric development, sourcing, and raw material innovation within apparel.
• Strong knowledge of fabric construction, commercialization, costing, sourcing, and product development calendars.
• Experience working with global mills and suppliers and knowledge of sustainable materials and emerging trends.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across functions, with strong leadership, communication, presentation, and organizational skills.