Director of Fabric, Wholesale Apparel - Woman's Suiting and Dress

• Partner with design and production from the beginning of a season to understand seasonal concepts and aesthetic fabric qualities needed to evolve each category, offering fabrics that meet the objective at a cost effective price
• Attend domestic and international tradeshows with the goal of identifying relevant trends and establishing new resources to help us evolve our quality and stay ahead of the trend curve while ensuring our price value proposition is maintained
• Maintain alignment with all cross functional teams to ensure seasonal calendar deadlines are meet/maintained
• Attend weekly cross functional meetings with production and design partners to discuss open issues so we can ensure product integrity and delivery are not compromised
• Spearhead Fabric summits to show case latest trends and new developments
• Procure fabrics for bulk that are within price range and meet design aesthetic
• Manage Fabric buys and best deliveries that will meet production needs
• Strengthen and strategize on developing sourcing base by building rapport with current mill partners
• Source new mills
• Provide technical analysis and strategic support to production for development and bulk
• Supervise both Research and Development and bulk fabric teams in NY and overseas
• Execute timely sample yardage development across all brand categories
• Source and develop textiles according to design direction and aesthetic, within divisional price parameters to meet required mark-ups
• Hands on knowledge of fabric construction, finishing and dyeing processes
• Counter source fabrics as needed for better costing and or deliveries
• Stay on top of industry and market trends and new innovations in fabrics and textiles
• Build and maintain strong relationships with design and production teams to monitor costs in advance of placements
• Partner with production and quality on fabric quality issues.
• Work with mills, laundries and factories to resolve issues in a timely manner that puts the company’s interest first.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive professional leadership in Fabric Research and Development and procurement
• Extensive experience in denim
• Established relationships with mills in worldwide fabric supply chain
• Previous experience in managing an overseas team
• Technical knowledge of fabric and garment construction, chemical and wash formulation
• Strong cost negotiation skills
• Textile degree preferred
• Must be knowledgeable regarding garment construction, machinery used in factories and laundries
• Textile development and Fabric Buying experience as well as knowledge of testing requirements for fabric and garments
• Proficient in Microsoft applications, excellent command of PLM
• Highly organized and detail oriented
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment and adapt to changing demands of the business

We are an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicant swill receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.