Associate Raw Material Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

Supports seasonal trim development, sourcing, tracking, and approvals across assigned brands. Partners with Design, Product Management, Technical Design, Sourcing, Quality, and global vendors to help execute brand-right, cost-appropriate trims while maintaining accurate PLM records, trim libraries, testing/compliance documentation, trackers, and cross-functional communication.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Support seasonal trim development and sourcing from concept through bulk approval, ensuring daily follow-up, accurate communication, and deadline management across assigned brands and divisions.

• Partner with manager to execute seasonal trim sourcing strategies, including core trim usage, new development needs, vendor allocation, cost targets, and lead-time requirements.

• Collaborate closely with Design, Product Management, Technical Design, Sourcing, and factory/vendor partners to understand design intent, garment construction needs, and functional trim requirements.

• Source and develop trim options including hardware, zippers, snaps, hooks, rings, sliders, buckles, elastic, drawcords, tapes, bindings, appliques, heat transfers, decorative trims, novelty trims, and other garment functional components.

• Request, track, and evaluate trim submits against required parameters including aesthetics, function, durability, color, finish, size/spec, cost, lead time, testing, compliance, and bulk feasibility.

• Maintain accurate trim development charts, approval trackers, sample comments, vendor follow-up notes, and seasonal adoption/status reporting.

• Maintain trim data entry and updates in PLM, including trim codes, descriptions, specs, colors, supplier information, costing inputs, approval status, and required documentation.

• Support trim testing and compliance follow-up by coordinating required submissions, reviewing available documentation, flagging missing information, and escalating potential risks early.

• Work with cross-functional partners to proactively identify trim-related development or production risks and help communicate potential solutions tied to cost, timing, quality, construction, and customer requirements.

• Attend weekly CFT / development meetings and clearly communicate trim status, open issues, risks, approvals, and next steps to internal partners.

• Maintain and organize physical and digital trim libraries, seasonal reference boards, approved trim standards, color/finish standards, hardware standards, and archived development records.

• Prepare trim materials for internal reviews, sales meetings, customer meetings, and executive discussions, including boards, binders, swatch cards, and reference samples as needed.

• Send, receive, document, and organize daily trim samples from global offices, vendors, mills, factories, and internal partners.

• Stay current on trim trends, vendor capabilities, innovation, and sustainability options that support brand and business needs.

• Provide support on special projects, process improvements, sustainability initiatives, vendor onboarding, trim library clean-up, and cross-brand consolidation opportunities as needed.

Qualifications / Requirements

Education: College degree in Textiles, Fashion Merchandising, Product Development, Apparel Design, or related field preferred; equivalent trim, raw material, sourcing, or product development experience considered.

Experience: Associate-level experience preferred, including 2-5 years in trim development, raw materials, product development, sourcing, production, or related apparel function. Swimwear, activewear, intimates, or performance apparel exposure a plus.

Skills: Strong attention to detail; understanding of garment construction and trim function; ability to manage multiple seasons, brands, and deadlines; clear communication; vendor follow-up; PLM accuracy; Excel/MS Office proficiency; strong organization of physical and digital libraries.

Technical Knowledge: Working knowledge of trim development, including hardware finishes, elastic, closures, rings/sliders, decorative trims, appliques, testing/compliance basics, costing, supplier capabilities, lead times, and approval processes.

Travel: As required for vendor meetings, trade shows, customer needs, or business support.

Working Conditions: Hybrid / office.

Physical Demands: Must be able to stand, sit, and walk 8 hours/day; must be able to lift, carry, organize, and move trim samples, binders, racks, and presentation materials as needed.

Note: Manager reserves the right to modify job description based on business needs.

A & H Sportswear Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer