Manager, Raw Materials

About the role

The Manager, Raw Materials oversees a full category from Concept to Production Readiness, partnering cross-functionally to develop and deliver product design and brand aesthetic goals. This role works closely with Design, Product Development, Production, Merchandising, Technical Design, Design Development/Color & Print, Regulatory, and external suppliers. The Manager is responsible for driving execution, problem-solving, collaboration, and development throughout the product lifecycle while supporting business goals related to speed, quality, innovation, cost, and bulk feasibility.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Design, Product Development, and Production to source, commercialize, and deliver raw materials that achieve the intended aesthetic while ensuring bulk feasibility, quality, speed to market, and cost targets.
• Drive end-to-end ownership of raw material development and execution within assigned categories, ensuring timely communication, strong follow-through, and issue resolution.
• Leverage technical expertise to troubleshoot and resolve complex development and production challenges, offering creative and commercially viable solutions.
• Provide technical guidance regarding raw material production techniques, garment/fabric washing, sustainability, print applications, embellishment techniques, and manufacturing viability.
• Identify and proactively resolve potential manufacturing, quality, costing, testing, and execution risks prior to bulk production.
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams to understand garment intent, fit expectations, construction, and aesthetic goals.
• Maintain strong understanding of raw material performance in garment form and provide recommendations based on vendor capabilities, innovation, quality improvements, market trends, and competitive landscape.
• Monitor and maintain raw material information within WIP (Work-In-Progress) systems to support on-time development and production readiness.
• Manage QA applications and approvals for fabrics, washes, prints, and embellishments within assigned categories.
• Act as liaison between suppliers, mills, factories, and internal partners to support development and bulk production execution.
• Provide mentorship, technical training, and development support to team members and cross-functional partners.
• Support talent development by fostering accountability, collaboration, growth, and strong team engagement.
• Evaluate mills and supplier capabilities based on quality, innovation, capacity, sustainability, speed, and cost competitiveness.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends, fiber innovations, wash techniques, print applications, sustainability initiatives, and technical developments relevant to the business.
• Demonstrate leadership behaviors aligned with company values while contributing to a positive, collaborative, and solutions-oriented team culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in Raw Material Development
• Strong organizational, communication, and follow-through skills with high attention to detail
• Ability to proactively solve problems and effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Clear understanding of fabric (warp & weft, lace) and trim development processes, including dyeing, printing, wash, graphics, and finishing techniques
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs and Centric PLM

Pay

Minimum Salary: $129,700.00
Maximum Salary: $176,820.00

VS&Co provides a range of compensation for this role as shown. Your actual salary will be determined by a number of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic region, or other relevant factors.