Responsibilities

Work closely with design and merchandising to define and develop seasonal fabric direction.
Initiate all seasonal fabric, leather + trim R&D with suppliers and present selection to design with pertinent information, including technicalities, potential concerns for bulk feasibility, minimums, and pricing.
Manage daily communication with material suppliers, build T&A and strategize solutions in anticipation of future problems.
Responsible for ensuring prices of materials are workable within the margin requirements and spearhead counter development when necessary.
Establish and enforce deadlines for all material-related decisions in conjunction with the season’s calendar; including management of the print/artwork process.
Manage color + print approval process from lab dip through to bulk stages.
Responsible for gathering technical sheets for all materials, carefully analyze all details and voice concerns about anticipated problems.
Manage seasonal development budget for fabric and trims and report bi-weekly.
Work closely with PD + Merchandising for strategic fabric buys.
Responsible for negotiating prices, minimums, surcharges, etc. with suppliers from development through bulk stages.
Work with suppliers to improve material timelines and push for better deliveries.
Responsible for managing and reporting on all fabric/trim liability and propose opportunities to include in seasonal and exclusive collections.
Manage and maintain fabric, leather and trim libraries, including liability binders.
Responsible for sourcing and purchasing all local “last minute” fabrics, leathers and trims, during styling week, while simultaneously looking for valid production options.
Attend material exhibitions domestically and overseas to meet with suppliers and source for future seasons, as well as understand the current market and discover new potential suppliers.
Actively research sustainability practices to integrate within development and production.
Responsible for ensuring all materials follow global compliancy needs; GB testing + Cotton Documents, certificates for sustainable practices when applicable etc. Stay up to date through Logistics and Sales Team on any requirements specified by clients.
Frequently visit retailers offering Proenza Schouler competitors to understand the current market and trends in materials.
Manage bulk care label approval process for woven + cut and sew production.
Create fabric/yarn codes, color names, NRF codes and enters/maintains all material information in ERP System (RLM) for fabrics, trims and yarns; following BOM deadlines.
Responsible for bulk inventory management of labeling and packaging.
Manage in house inventory of seasonal fabric + trims.
Miscellaneous market prep in collaboration with PD team.

Qualifications

6-10 years of experience in fabric + trim sourcing.
Keeps up to date with global compliancy issues.
Highly organized with strong leadership skills.
Works well independently.
Experience at high end brand is a plus.
Strong systems skills; RLM/PLM, Excel.

White Label Fabric + Trim Manager (Development + Production)