Global Fabric Manager

At DICK’S Sporting Goods, we believe in how positively sports can change lives. On our team, everyone plays a critical role in creating confidence and excitement by personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce, reflecting the communities we serve.

About the Role

The Global Manager, Fabric R&D works across all apparel for vertical brands and collaborates closely with suppliers to engineer new fabrics as directed by Creative Design. This role is responsible for the bulk approval of all fabrics and assists Global Sourcing Fabric Specialists in troubleshooting problems during the testing and development process. The position involves training FIS verification alongside the global sourcing team and developing a high-performing global mill matrix in collaboration with Global Sourcing to support Design’s needs and sourcing strategy. The role ensures the mill matrix is supported by the Design and Sourcing teams and drives the mill scorecard process for recommendations, on-boarding, and evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Support Design R&D trends by attending relevant shows, visiting mills to explore innovative ideas, and building partnerships.
• Build and maintain a highly functional, organized, and relevant fabric library utilized effectively by Design.
• Act as a textile specialist with deep expertise in active/outdoor performance wear fabrics, providing knowledge on engineered fabric needs, mills, countries of origin, pricing, and industry aspects.
• Troubleshoot problems during fabric testing and development, ensuring bulk approval of all fabrics.
• Negotiate final costs for engineered fabrics.
• Educate mills on data accuracy and train Global Sourcing Fabric Specialists on FIS verification entry for all fabrics.
• Oversee receipt and organization of bulk fabric approvals.
• Research, vet, and onboard new mills.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering or a similar field.
• 5-7 years of relevant industry experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Supervisory and leadership capabilities.
• Ability to drive projects and manage project teams.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.
• Technical knowledge of yarns, fabrics, dyeing, printing, and finishing processes.
• Expertise in textile construction.

Virtual Interview Requirements

• Cameras must be on during all virtual interviews.
• AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) are not permitted during any part of the interview process.
• Offers are contingent upon a satisfactory background check, which may include ID verification.