Fabric R&D Associate, Owned Brand

Main Purpose

The Fabric R&D Associate role is a full-time position for a highly organized candidate who can communicate effectively with other departments and thrive in a fast-paced work environment. The role involves executing the current R&D process and goals while maintaining quality and costs that meet company expectations and standards.

Major Responsibilities

• Assist with fabric allocations and communication
• Manage and track fabric swatches and provide accurate cost estimates to help guide Design
• Absorb and prioritize/notify fabrics based on Lead Time and delivery
• Maintain data accuracy across all platforms and departments
• Manage all fabrics for multiple brands and/or categories
• Execute fabric emails and development
• Manage costing processes for a specific brand and/or category
• Name fabric qualities and assist other team members if needed
• Problem solve fabric issues with minimal input by Fabric R&D Manager
• Potentially cultivate and train assistants which includes refining their development process
• Be a key point of contact and communicator between all cross-functional departments
• Cultivate, interview, train and manage junior members
• Complete ad-hoc tasks and assignments as directed by management

Required Competencies

• Strong understanding of fabric knowledge
• Strong understanding of fibers
• Strong understanding of Fabric R&D processes
• Ability to execute developments
• Ability to manage others
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Effective negotiation and problem solving skills
• Enthusiastic and willing to learn
• Works well in a dynamic environment with minimal supervision

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years experience working in Fabric R&D, Product Development or similar role
• Degree in Fashion, Product Development or similar field
• Knowledge of textiles, sourcing, and development
• Excellent computer skills including Excel and Google Docs

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working with a contemporary brand
• Experience with costing and overseas vendor communication