At a Glance
- Tasks: Source innovative fabrics and manage supplier relationships for ASOS's fashion products.
- Company: Join ASOS, a global online fashion retailer that celebrates individuality and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy employee discounts, flexible benefits, and 25 days of annual leave plus a bonus day.
- Other info: Collaborative office culture with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving sustainable fabric innovation in the fast-fashion industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in fabric sourcing with strong negotiation and analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Company Description
We're ASOS, the online retailer for fashion lovers all around the world. We exist to give our customers the confidence to be whoever they want to be, and that goes for our people too. At ASOS, you're free to be your true self without judgement, and channel your creativity into a platform used by millions. Everyone needs some help showing up as their best self. We're Disability Confident Committed - let our Talent team know if you need any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Job Description
The Fabric Sourcing Partner is responsible for developing and delivering commercially competitive fabric solutions that support the brand's product strategy, balancing cost, speed, quality, innovation and sustainability. Working closely with Design, Buying & Technical, the role ensures the right fabrics are sourced from the right suppliers, at the right price and lead time, enabling the business to react quickly to market trends while maintaining quality standards.
The Details
- Fabric Sourcing & Supplier Management
- Source innovative fabrics aligned to seasonal trends and commercial requirements.
- Build and manage relationships with global mills and fabric suppliers across Turkey, China, India & Bangladesh.
- Negotiate fabric prices, minimum order quantities, payment terms and lead times to achieve margin targets.
- Identify new suppliers capable of supporting speed-to-market and volume growth.
- Product Development
- Work alongside Design and Buying to source fabrics that meet aesthetic, performance and price requirements.
- Recommend fabric alternatives to improve margin, lead time or sustainability.
- Drive fabric innovation through new developments, finishes and manufacturing techniques.
- Support seasonal trend research through supplier visits, trade fairs and market analysis.
- Partner with Technical teams to ensure fabrics meet performance, testing and compliance standards.
- Increase the use of preferred sustainable fibres and lower-impact fabric options.
- Cost & Commercial Management
- Deliver seasonal fabric cost targets through effective negotiation and strategic sourcing.
- Monitor raw material price movements and communicate market impacts to internal teams.
- Identify opportunities for fabric platforming and consolidation across departments.
- Support margin improvement initiatives through value engineering and supplier optimisation.
- Critical Path Management
- Ensure fabric developments progress in line with the critical path.
- Manage lab dips, developments, bulk submissions and approvals.
- Resolve sourcing challenges quickly to minimise delays to production.
- Work closely with mills & suppliers to ensure on-time delivery.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner daily with Design, Buying, Technical & Merchandising teams.
- Present fabric strategies, seasonal developments and supplier capabilities to internal stakeholders.
- Support sourcing trips and supplier visits where required.
- Champion Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strategies.
We believe being together in person helps us move faster, connect more deeply, and achieve more as a team. That’s why our approach to working together includes spending at least 3 days a week in the office. It’s a rhythm that speeds up decision-making, helps ASOSers learn from each other more quickly, and builds the kind of culture where people can grow, create, and succeed.
Qualifications
About You
Significant experience within fabric sourcing for a fast-fashion or high-volume retailer. Strong knowledge of jersey and knit fabric construction and manufacturing. Established network of global fabric mills and suppliers. Proven negotiation skills with a strong commercial mindset. Knowledge of fabric testing and quality standards. Experience working with Far East, Turkey and European supply bases. Excellent understanding of fabric costing and manufacturing processes. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage multiple product categories simultaneously. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Highly organised with strong critical path management experience. Familiarity with PLM, ERP or sourcing management systems.
Additional Information
BeneFITS’ Employee discount (hello ASOS discount!) Employee sample sales 25 days paid annual leave + an extra celebration day for a special moment Discretionary bonus scheme Private medical care scheme Flexible benefits allowance - which you can choose to take as extra cash, or use towards other benefits Opportunity for personalised learning and in-the-moment experiences that enable you to thrive and excel in your role.
Fabric Sourcing Partner in London employer: ASOS
ASOS is an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, offering hybrid working arrangements that promote work-life balance. Employees benefit from generous perks such as 25 days of paid annual leave and exclusive discounts, while also having ample opportunities for professional growth in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment focused on innovation in payment processing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fabric Sourcing Partner in London
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like ASOS!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including ASOS.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for ASOS.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at ASOS!
We think you need these skills to ace Fabric Sourcing Partner in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at ASOS.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to ASOS!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at ASOS. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at ASOS
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
