Fabric R&D Manager

About the role

The Fabric Manager, Fabric R&D supports seasonal fabric development and executes divisional fabric strategies across private brands. This role partners closely with Design, Product Development, Sourcing, and international sourcing offices to deliver fabric innovation, quality, cost competitiveness, and speed-to-market aligned to business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Execute seasonal fabric development aligned to divisional fabric and mill strategies.
• Partner with Design and Product Development to develop fabrics that support brand aesthetic, performance requirements, and cost targets.
• Manage fabric development with mills and suppliers, ensuring timely execution of submits, approvals, and commercialization.
• Identify shared fabric opportunities across brands/divisions to leverage scale and improve efficiencies.
• Benchmark pricing for key fabric qualities and support cost savings initiatives through supplier collaboration and market analysis.
• Support core fabric platforms (carryover qualities) and counter-source opportunities to strengthen competitiveness and mitigate supply risk.
• Maintain development charts, fabric trackers, and master fabric menus, ensuring accurate communication across cross-functional teams.
• Ensure adherence to company quality requirements, including fabric construction standards and testing protocols.
• Troubleshoot fabric construction, testing, and quality issues during development, partnering with mills, international sourcing teams, and Product Development to drive issue resolution.
• Support fabric-related quality issues in bulk production, collaborating with international sourcing and merchant teams and Sourcing on investigation and corrective actions.
• Maintain fabric data integrity within PLM, including development submissions and fabric specifications.
• Partner closely with international sourcing teams to ensure alignment on development execution, costing, and sourcing strategies.
• Support sustainability initiatives through the development and adoption of responsible fibers and material solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (or equivalent relevant experience).
• 5–8 years of experience in fabric sourcing, fabric development, or raw materials management.
• Strong understanding of fabric construction, performance standards, quality requirements, and testing methods.
• Knowledge of global fabric sourcing, raw material markets, and cost drivers.
• Experience working with mills, suppliers, and international sourcing offices.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Collaborative team player with strong communication and cross-functional partnership skills.
• PLM system knowledge preferred.
• Working knowledge of sourcing strategies and trade considerations preferred.
• Excellent time management skills, able to work independently and prioritize.

About Catalyst

Catalyst Brands reflects the bringing together of the rich heritages of our brands with modern excitement and a new vision for success. Five iconic brands came together under a unified powerhouse portfolio to celebrate the essence of American style. We leverage our rich history, resources, and best-in-class industry talent to further build the success of our brands. At Catalyst, we are united in one shared purpose: We exist to ignite America’s most beloved retail brands to make fashion accessible to all.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance starting on day one.
• Term life insurance.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• 401(k) Savings Plan with company match.
• Associate discount on merchandise across all Catalyst Brands.
• Opportunities for growth and development, including training programs and career advancement.
• Collaborative and supportive work culture.

For paid holidays, associates who are eligible for paid vacation (MTO) are also eligible for eight paid holidays during the calendar year. All store hourly associates scheduled to work on a designated holiday will receive additional compensation.

Pay

Pay Range: USD $89,100.00 - USD $162,000.00 per year.