Senior Manager Raw Materials (Project Management)

Senior Manager, Raw Materials will join LE Raw materials team, working closely with Sourcing, Design and Product Development teams in US. Reporting to the Dr Director, Raw Materials in US, s/he is responsible for helping to shape and drive our brand new material procurement strategy across knits and woven to deliver innovation, performance, quality and customer satisfaction & sustainability. Drive product innovation by working with designers and staying connected with industry trends. Support key product initiatives through fabric research in partnership with HK Materials team and translate brand aesthetic into clear, executable materials for design partners.  Lead process improvement from organization level to achieve efficiency.

Job Functions (Employees must be able to perform the job functions of this position satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the duties, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.  If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.)

• Familiar with all Lands' End fabric requirements and testing standards.
• Establish textile sourcing strategies to support brand requirements across quality, speed, cost, and sustainability in coordination with Director, Raw Materials.
• Lead the research, development, and execution of all fabrics identified by Designers each season.
• Stay current with fiber, finish, and fabric innovations by working closely with supply chain partners (fiber, and chemical producers, knit fabric mills).
• Collaborate with the Design and Technical Design team to identify and resolve manufacturing-related issues during fabric development.
• Works closely with HKG team to ensure timely and accurate sample & bulk fabric submissions to the DV teams.
• Take the lead on quality engineering in coordination with design and collaborate with HK RM team.
• Material Selection: Works closely with the Design team to understand the design requirements, aesthetic vision, and functional aspects of the products.
• Trend Analysis: Collaborates with the HK RM team to analyze current and upcoming fashion and design trends and share with design team. By staying informed about the latest trends, they can provide input on fabric choices that align with the market demand and ensure the brand's offerings are on-trend.
• Material Research and Development: Collaborate with design and RM Director US on exploring new materials, finishes, and fabric technologies. They work together to identify innovative fabric options that can enhance the design aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability of the products.
• Swatch Development and Approval: Assists the Design team in obtaining fabric swatches and samples for evaluation and coordinate with HK RM team to procure the required selections and ensure they meet the design specifications. The Fabric Manager's expertise in fabric properties and performance can help the Design team make informed decisions during the selection process in coordination with HK RM team.
• Proto Sample Evaluation: Ability to evaluate garment prototypes during the product development stage and inform the HK RM team and making necessary changes.
• Communication and Documentation: Maintains open communication channels with the Design and sourcing team to address any fabric-related queries, concerns, or challenges. They collaborate to document fabric specifications, performance requirements, and any special considerations for future reference.
• Explore market to identify new / innovative technologies.

Skills

• 5+years' experience in global Fabric research and development in the retail fashion industry 
• Bachelor's degree in Sourcing, Textile, Apparel or equivalent experience.
• Ability to research fabric & materials according to trend direction and to support business strategies during seasonal design development.
• Detail oriented and ability to drive projects to completion with strong communication, organizational, and problem solving skills.
• Strong knowledge of mill and vendor contacts specific to knit & woven fabric as well as yarn makers.
• In depth technical knowledge specific to fabric construction, content, dyeing, printing, finishing, and washing techniques including mill capabilities and limitations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to exchange information with clarity and understanding.
• Computer literate in Microsoft office programs and WEB PLM.

• Knowledge of fabric & trade shows, industry publications and other research resources

 

 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c) Supply Chain