Manager, Fabric R&D

KnitWell Group; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Merchandise discount

Career mobility within brands

Volunteer opportunities

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(K)

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

KnitWell Group in New York seeks a Fabric R&D professional to drive research, development, and sourcing of fabrics and trims for its product category, partnering with design, merchandising, and mills to deliver brand-right materials. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish fabric strategies, maintain a fabric library, and mentor team members.

The role requires 5-7 years in textile industry and a bachelor’s degree.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.
• 5-7 years in the textile industry with expertise in fabric development domestically and internationally.
• In-depth fabric knowledge across weaving, printing, dyeing, finishing, treatments, and washing; mill capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Drive research, development, and sourcing of fabrics and trims
• Partner with cross-functional teams and vendor partners to develop high-quality fabrics
• Define and execute a seasonal fabric strategy
• Maintain a fabric library and stay updated on trends and technologies
• Mentor and coach direct reports on performance expectations
• Interface with design, merchandising, product development, production, and vendors

Skills

Fabric knowledge

Weaving

Printing

Dyeing

Finishing

Treatments

Washing

Mill capabilities

Merchandising

Product development

Design aesthetic

Cross-functional communication

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

5-7 years in textile industry

Job description

About us

LOFT creates modern, feminine, versatile clothing for women with one common style goal: to look and feel confident wherever the day takes them. We empower women to find their authentic self-expression because feeling like yourself is always in style.
Here at LOFT, we're busy styling the careers and supporting the lives of everyday optimists just like you. Express your authentic self and experience endless inspiration, all while enjoying the opportunities and benefits that help you get the most from your career, life, and wardrobe.

About the role

This position is primarily responsible for driving the research, gathering, and development of fabric and/or trim for their product category. Partners with cross-functional teams and external vendor/mill partners in the development of high-quality, brand-right fabrics. Collaborates with cross functional teams in establishing, refining, and implementing Fabric R&D processes into the broader design and development process, both internally and externally.

The impact you can have

• Work with Director, Fabric R&D on researching, developing, and sourcing fabrics that are trend, customer and brand right, while maintaining pricing structure
• Ensure fabric development is brand appropriate, trend right, and of elevated quality so as to elevate the aesthetic and inherent value of the product and the brand
• Research and stay abreast of fabric and/or trim trends and technological developments as they relate to the client
• Develop and maintain a fabric sourcing library
• Forge and maintain relationships with mills
• Work directly with design to gather and develop fabrics and drive fabric development T&A
• Consistently partner with design, merchandising, product development, production and vendors on fabric development related issues for immediate needs and future development
• Define, drive and execute a seasonal fabric strategy
• Maintain, update, and analyze fabric projects ensuring fiscal and quality goals
• Mentor, coach and counsel direct reports on performance expectations
• Provide a positive, challenging work environment
• Recognize and reward talent and accomplishments
• Interface effectively with all levels throughout the organization

You’ll bring to the role

• Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent experience
• 5-7 years in the textile industry, with expertise in fabric development both domestically and internationally
• In depth fabric knowledge and experience in relation to weaving, printing, dyeing, finishing, treatments and washing techniques as well as mill capabilities
• Knowledge and understanding of merchandising and product development
• Strong design aesthetic
• Ability to drive processes with cross functional team members
• Ability to communicate clearly, both written and verbal
• Ability to handle multiple tasks with shifting priorities

Benefits

• You will be eligible to receive a merchandise discount at select KnitWell Group brands, subject to each brand’s discount policies.
• Support for your individual development plus opportunities for career mobility within our family of brands.
• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities. *
• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K)*
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Time off – paid time off & holidays*
• The target salary range for this role is: $80,000 - $85,000*
• Hybrid: This position works in a hybrid model, with required days worked in the office location in as defined by business needs.

*Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role.

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Location:

Times Square Tower-ANN-New York, NY 10036

Position Type:

Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact [e-mail]. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business. The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant’s request for reasonable accommodation.