Assistant Manager of Fabric R&D

Job Description

About the Role

In this role, you are accountable for supporting the ideation, development, implementation and execution of the Client’s production and vendor capability strategy, delivering value through effectively balancing innovation, quality, and cost. You will be able to operate in a highly matrixed global organization, forming part of the cross functional product team (Design, Merchandising, Tech Design, Quality Assurance, Sustainability, Fabric Research and Development and Global Sourcing). You will be able to execute with strong attention to detail to ensure the product pipeline meets key milestones to meet product to market (P2M) demands.

What You’ll Do

· Understand product development implications on merchandising and design-driven product decisions based on category or vendor strategies and nuances.

· Drive communication between brand teams and Asia-based product teams to ensure strategic business alignment and optimal responsiveness.

· Understand and work with cross-functional teams to ensure financial targets are met by delivering on cost guidance.

· Provide flash garment costing, accurately accounting for all costing components.

· Manage BOM maintenance through PLM system to ensure product execution.

· Communicate with Asia-based teams to understand product execution issues and provide support in resolving them in a timely manner.

· Monitors P2M calendar milestones and escalates issues impacting deadlines.

· Support seasonal strategies to limit our exposure to buying fabrics pre line adoption, manage through liability as needed.

· Execute category product development strategies that align with production strategies and divisional goals.

Who You Are

· Global Product Development experience or exposure to driving global product development and understands design, merchandising, and vendor/category management.

· Problem Solver- can proactively solve problems and effectively manage multiple challenges. Anticipate and mitigate P2M risks by balancing cost, supplier and time constraints

· Collaboration- Proven ability influencing and making decisions cross-functionally in a matrix environment where speed and cultural sensitivity is crucial.

· Learning Agility- demonstrated curiosity, motivated to develop new skills and knowledge, with openness to feedback.

· Communication – communicate data and information to cross-functional partners in a clear manner to support decision making.

· Manage specific categories in coordination with a cross functional team and international sourcing partners.