Director, Raw Materials Quality

Position Summary

The Director, Raw Materials Quality is responsible for ensuring Carhartt’s raw materials uphold the brand’s promise for world class durability. This includes the execution of the quality component of raw materials including all fabrics, trims, washes and color in bulk production. This will be through close partnership with the Product Development Raw Material Team, Quality Assurance, Quality Integrity and Sourcing to ensure production is executed with excellence.

Associate Responsibilities

• Coach, mentor and develop a team of Raw Material professionals across trim, color and fabric teams, primarily based in Kentucky but also Seoul, Korea.
• Develop and manage the Quality team strategy to ensure raw material integrity from concept to bulk production, the qualitative and quantitative results that support these processes as well as the applicable department budget.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with owned facilities as well as suppliers, CMT and FP contractors globally to ensure uniform application of Carhartt quality processes and conformance of requirements. This includes development of written specifications and methods to measure performance.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Procurement and vendors to develop and maintain technical and quality requirements on all raw materials; including keeping abreast of new technologies, trends and processes.
• Assist with leadership and direction to the global quality staff. This includes but is not limited to hiring, performance review, discipline, training, projects, etc. as well as support of the Quality leadership team and the overall Quality goals and strategies.
• Assist with efforts for research and analysis of alternatives for new raw materials and improvements to existing raw materials. Develop and support the Quality team’s responsibilities when raw materials are resourced and multisourced to ensure quality standards are executed with excellence.
• Drive processes and strategies to ensure effective communication both internally among the various stakeholders and externally with fabric suppliers and testing labs.
• Manage and hold associates accountable for raw material testing, systems and audits.
• Collaborates with Product Development to train and on-board new and current vendors regarding the fabric, trim and color development process and requirements, encouraging speed to market and product innovation.
• Partner with Carhartt leadership to ensure alignment and linkage to all strategic and tactical plans.
• Establish a plan for associate development and training, including succession plan and career path for the Quality, Fabric and Testing Department.

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of experience required.
• Master or MBA is preferred.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 11 years of experience in Raw Material Development/Sourcing, Raw Material Quality or Product Integrity for a global apparel brand.
• Minimum of 7 years’ leadership/management experience required.
• Advanced knowledge of manufacturing processes related to raw materials and sewn garment products required, including laundry and washes.
• Strong fabric, trim, industrial wash development and color development and apparel industry background required; the successful candidate will be a leader in development with a focus on innovation and quality.
• Basic knowledge of RSL, WRAP, social compliance laws and requirements required.
• Familiarity with sustainability certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX, GOTS, bluesign®) and compliance standards.
• Advanced computer skills required; Excel, Microsoft, Power Point, etc.
• Bilingual preferred, specifically Korean, Spanish or Mandarin.
• In-depth knowledge of fabric and trim characteristics and mill relationship, with the ability to balance technical requirements with strategic vision.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the proven ability to communicate with all levels including management and both internally and with vendors.
• Outstanding organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize workload and attention to detail.