Trim Manager, Women's Wholesale Apparel (New York)

PREMIER BRANDS GROUP HOLDINGS

Iconic by Nature, Exceptional by Design

Premier Brands Group Holdings, A Global Leader in Apparel, Jewelry and Accessories Design

Driven by excellence and innovative talent, Premier Brands Group is a leading global apparel group of iconic brands, offering a diverse portfolio in denim, women's apparel, and jewelry.

The Kasper Group is an apparel industry leader with over 30 years of experience delivering iconic brands and relevant womenswear designs. Our portfolio includes Kasper, Anne Klein, Le Suit, and Kenneth Cole, offering quality apparel for the modern consumer.

Trim Manager

Position Overview

We are currently seeking an experienced Trim Manager to oversee trim development, sourcing, production coordination, and compliance across our women's apparel divisions.

This position will manage the full lifecycle of trim components, from initial development and vendor sourcing through approvals, testing, bulk production, and delivery. The Trim Manager will partner closely with Design, Product Development, Production, Sourcing, and Technical Design to ensure all trims meet design specifications, quality standards, production timelines, and cost objectives.

The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of apparel trims, strong domestic and overseas vendor relationships, and experience managing testing, regulatory compliance, and seasonal production requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Trim Development & Sourcing

• Manage the research, development, sourcing, and execution of all trim components, including hangtags, labels, patches, buttons, zippers, closures, packaging, jokers, and branded trim items.
• Partner closely with Design, Product Development, Production, Sourcing, and Technical Design teams to develop trims that meet aesthetic, functional, quality, and cost requirements.
• Source and develop trims through domestic and international suppliers, evaluating vendor capabilities, pricing, lead times, and production requirements.
• Negotiate trim pricing and identify alternative sourcing opportunities to support competitive costs and improve product margins.
• Review trim specifications, materials, construction, and quality standards to ensure consistency with approved product designs.
• Coordinate trim development, sampling, color approvals, and final approvals in accordance with seasonal calendars.
• Identify opportunities to standardize trim components across styles and divisions where appropriate to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Maintain current knowledge of trim materials, supplier capabilities, and emerging sourcing opportunities.

Production Coordination & Vendor Management

• Oversee seasonal trim development calendars, work-in-progress reports, and critical path timelines across assigned divisions.
• Monitor trim inventory, purchase requirements, production status, and delivery schedules to ensure materials are available when needed.
• Coordinate with vendors, factories, and internal Production teams to ensure timely execution of trim orders and bulk deliveries.
• Communicate trim specifications, packaging instructions, labeling requirements, and testing standards to manufacturing partners.
• Manage bulk trim approvals and ensure all components are approved prior to production.
• Proactively identify and resolve trim-related issues involving quality, production delays, shortages, pricing, and delivery.
• Monitor supplier performance and work with vendors to improve quality, service levels, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery.
• Maintain seasonal trim libraries, vendor records, approved samples, sourcing documentation, and production records.
• Partner with Production and Sourcing teams to support material availability and minimize potential production disruptions.

Quality Assurance, Testing & Compliance

• Oversee trim testing requirements and ensure all trim components meet established company, customer, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Partner with Quality Assurance and Compliance teams to ensure adherence to applicable CPSIA, California Proposition 65, retailer-specific requirements, labeling regulations, and product safety standards.
• Manage testing schedules, review laboratory reports, and maintain supporting certifications and compliance documentation.
• Ensure that trim materials, labeling, and packaging meet required quality and performance specifications prior to bulk production.
• Identify potential product safety, quality, and compliance concerns and coordinate appropriate corrective actions.
• Work closely with factories and suppliers to resolve failed tests, quality discrepancies, and other compliance-related issues.
• Support customer audits, retailer compliance initiatives, sustainability programs, and corporate quality standards as required.
• Monitor regulatory and retailer requirement changes affecting trim development, sourcing, and execution.

Cost Management & Process Improvement

• Review trim costs and supplier quotations to ensure alignment with approved cost targets and business objectives.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings through competitive sourcing, vendor negotiations, material substitutions, and process improvements.
• Partner with Costing and Production teams to evaluate the financial impact of trim selections and supplier changes.
• Maintain accurate trim cost information and communicate pricing changes to appropriate internal partners.
• Establish and maintain efficient trim development, approval, and tracking procedures.
• Identify opportunities to streamline vendor communication, testing processes, and documentation.
• Provide guidance to cross-functional teams regarding trim feasibility, sourcing challenges, and production requirements.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in apparel trim development, sourcing, production, compliance, or a related function.
• Strong knowledge of trim construction, materials, packaging, labeling, and apparel product development processes.
• Experience managing trim sourcing and development for multiple apparel brands or product categories preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with domestic and overseas trim suppliers, vendors, and factories.
• Strong understanding of trim testing, quality assurance, product safety requirements, and compliance documentation.
• Working knowledge of applicable CPSIA, California Proposition 65, care/content labeling, retailer compliance requirements, and related regulations.
• Proven ability to negotiate pricing, manage supplier relationships, and identify opportunities for cost improvement.
• Experience managing seasonal development calendars, critical path timelines, approvals, and bulk production requirements.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines, suppliers, and production priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, PLM systems, and related product development tools.
• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent relevant professional experience.

Actual base salary will be based upon experience, qualifications, and assigned business unit.

Premier Brands Group Holdings is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.