Fabric R&D Manager

Company Description: Bernard Chaus, Inc. designs, sources, and markets nationally and internationally an extensive range of women's careers, casual sportswear, and dresses. Their products are sold through all significant levels of retail distribution, principally under various trademarks and under private label brand names.

About this Role:

Researching, sourcing, allocating, and developing fabric based on seasonal design concepts, trends and request. Will report to the Director of Fabric R&D to support private label brands. Collaborating with design, sales and production to ensure a thoughtful approach to sourcing new brand right fabrics and establishing a preferred supplier matrix.

Responsibilities:

Source new seasonal and core fabrics for private label brands that meet designs vision and company strategy.

Translate design concepts into commercialized materials at the appropriate price point.

Follow up with design, production, mills and vendors on outstanding fabric sourcing to ensure on time delivery.

Create and maintain Fabric WIP; proactively track developments, labdips and strike offs and report status regularly to CFT to meet calendar deadlines.

Monitor all calendar milestones to ensure all deadlines are met.

Own all seasonal proto and sample yardage requests, working directly will fabric mills and allocating yardage to factories.

Maintain files of all fabric sample cuts and color submits, as well as help maintain fabric library.

Request Fabric Info Sheets and prepare Fabric Cards for buyer.

Assist Fabric Director with special sourcing projects and company initiatives.

Attend local fabric shows to source new suppliers and develop mill relationships that fit into companies sourcing strategy.

Actively look to build new supplier relationships will mills outside of China.

Requirements

5-7 years of experience in fabric development required.

Associates or higher degree required.

Strong knowledge of fabric construction, finishing, washing with an emphasis in knits and wovens.

High attention to detail and ability to clearly articulate goals and objective with strong follow-through.

Understanding of raw material and apparel testing.

Must have proactive attitude and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Must be proficient in Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Strong problem-solving skills; able to proactively recommend solutions.

Organized and detail-oriented.

Highly motivated, ability to prioritize workflow, and have good time management skills.

Good mill contacts and relationships.

Enthusiastic and team-oriented.

This is a full-time, exempt role offering a salary range of $70-$80k.

BCI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Applicants are considered regardless of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, pregnancy, family responsibility, national origin or ancestry citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran's status, genetic information, or as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic in accordance with applicable law.