Fabric + Trim Development Manager - RTW

Job Description

The Fabric + Trim Development Manager will work closely with the design and merchandising teams to source, select, develop fabrics/trims based on the inspiration and needs per season. They will present materials based on the Proenza Schouler brand identity and relevant price point. This role manages the raw material budget and calendar and uses their expertise and brand knowledge in materials’ selection and development. They will work closely with print team to flow work and deadlines as needed by mills­­. In addition, this role supports the design team in color palette development and execution.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with designers to define and develop seasonal fabric and trim direction.
• Research and gather all material needs based on direction, including all pricing and minimum information.
• Manage material development with selected suppliers and communicate specific needs through daily communication both on email, phone and other forms of communication when needed to obtain the best result and most accurate information.
• Manage approvals, check-in and quality control for all sample fabric and trim orders insuring they are correct and approved by design and merchandising as soon as they arrive.
• Ability to react swiftly and troubleshoot when issues arise, acting with a sense of urgency and diligence to resolve, including last minute additions or substitutions as requested by the design and merchandising.
• Work with cross functioning teams including Handbags, Shoes, Knits and Merchandising to fill any crossover material needs when required.
• Attend materials exhibitions when needed (Premiere Vision, Lineapelle) to meet with suppliers to source and select materials for the subsequent season, as well as understand the current market and discover potential new suppliers.
• Oversee and manage spending on materials based on seasonal budgets reporting back to manager regularly.
• Negotiate prices, minimums, surcharges and lead times with suppliers handing off to Production when confirmed.
• Counter source materials with objective of obtaining better pricing and/or performance, as needed
• Meet weekly with team to review Design/Production T&A status.
• Establish and enforce deadlines for all material-related decisions in conjunction with the season’s calendar.
• Work closely with Senior PD to ensure all raw material development is in line with sample development calendar.
• Management of workflow with the print designer and print/artwork process etc.
• Assist design team with creating and executing seasonal color palette.
• Work closely with production counter part throughout seasonal development, keep production informed of development issues that could affect production timelines.

Maintenance and Daily Tasks

• Issue and manage POs for Sampling of fabric and trim.
• Work directly with factories, when possible, for any sourcing needs for fabric and trim ensuring they are executing correctly and with clear direction.
• Help create and update physical fabric & trim boards.
• Assign all Material codes with entry into the RLM system along with all FDS/LDS/TDS and prices by quantity brackets for production in conjunction with Italian counterpart.
• Manage updates and maintenance of materials information in RLM and Air Table.
• Manage approval of sample lab dips, strike offs, trials and obtain Designer and Merchants approval when needed.
• Maintain complete FDS and Quality Reports library as well as references’ standards
• Maintain Sampling inventory in basement and overseas.
• Check & approve all invoices, ensuring budget is actualized each season accurately.
• Hire interns as needed to help handle admin functions such a fabric check-in, midtown sourcing and other day to day functions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in luxury material development and/or production.
• RLM system experience required.
• Advanced understanding of material function and fabrications.
• Trim experience is a plus but not required. Basic knowledge of trim needed only.
• Attention to detail and diligence in follow up and follow through is a must.
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with Excel for tracking budget, material deliveries and allocation.
• Moderate knowledge of Adobe Suite is a plus.
• Interest and experience with sustainability and sustainable materials is a plus.

The targeted base salary range for this role is $85,000-$105,000. Actual salary offered may be outside of this range based on factors such as, relevant skills, qualifications, and experience. This role is eligible for company health benefit programs and additional benefits, including participation in an annual performance-based incentive program, a seasonal clothing allowance, and a 401k match program.