Fabric & Trim Development Manager (6 Month Fixed Term Contract)

A studio-based role, managing the end-to-end sourcing and development process for all Fabrics and Trims used within each collection. Working collaboratively with the Creative Director and Design Director. This role is a 6 month fixed term contract with the possibility to extend.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Creative Director and the Design Team to source and develop fabrics, embroideries and trims for all seven annual collections to the creative brief.
• Introduce new suppliers and new innovations to the creative team where the brief dictates.
• Meet weekly with the Merchandiser Manager to discuss the fabric range and ensure it meets the business’ requirements, adjusting where necessary.
• Daily communication with raw material suppliers to ensure that raw materials are developed to the required range plan within the given parameters.
• Daily communication with raw material suppliers to ensure that the sampling critical path is maintained, and deadlines adhered to.
• Engage in sustainable raw material practices and use sustainable yarns and techniques where possible.
• Manage the Fabric & Trim Development Co-ordinator ensuring that their workload is prioritised and the trims developments that they focus on is running to schedule with appropriate selections being presented to the Creative Team.
• Manage the Assistant Fabric & Trim Developer ensuring that their workload is prioritised, that they manage the Fabric & Trim intern correctly and execute their role to the best of their ability.
• Manage, source and develop raw materials required for Bespoke and VIP projects.
• Manage raw materials for show collection press sample duplicates.
• Manage the creation and maintenance of the fabric range plan and seasonal development boards, ensuring all information is up to date.
• Work closely with technical team and atelier to ensure all fabrics are tested and fit for purpose.
• Re‐develop, re‐source and re‐negotiate raw materials pre‐production where required – that arise due to price parameters, lead time and performance issues raised.
• Ensure all raw materials are fully resolved at point of handover to production.
• Support the Production Raw Material buyer to problem solve and troubleshoot should issues arise on any raw materials.
• Cover production approval process where necessary in their absence.
• Manage the fabric & trim development budget ensuring all planned spends are mapped out and development costs fully tracked throughout the season.
• Liaise with the finance team on any potential over‑spends.
• Ensure that suppliers are paid in a timely manner, tracking receipt of invoices and chasing where necessary.
• To ensure payment terms are maintained and aid cash flow.
• Collate raw material prices and information, creating a comprehensive and accurate handover of information from Development to Production.
• Manage the creation and maintenance of the seasonal Fabric Log – used to track spend, create the fabric‑to‑sketch through formulas and provide comprehensive fabric information for the wider team.
• Manage the data input of all raw materials inputted into Zedonk, ensuring it is comprehensive and accurate.
• Manage the raw material development logistics - including creating daily courier labels and aiding customs with clearance information where required.
• Manage the stock take of leftover sampling fabrics for the production team.
• Manage the creation of seasonal handover book to production.
• Manage the creation of the seasonal sales books.
• Write the seasonal fabric descriptions for the sales team assets.
• Maintain the in‑house raw material Erdem archive.
• Work closely with heads of department to set and agree the Critical Path dates for raw material deadlines.
• Visit international trade fairs / supplier showrooms when necessary and building relationships with new suppliers according to company’s needs.
• Analysis of working practice and process to ensure that workflow evolves accordingly.
• Full participation in our main collection show activities at London Fashion Week.

Requirements

• At least 8+ years proven experience within European sourcing / suppliers.
• An acute knowledge and technical understanding of fabric and trim development and sourcing, within the luxury market.
• Strong costing and negotiation skills, analytical and problem solving.
• Experience and understanding of sustainable practices and alternatives would be beneficial.
• Initiative and drive, working well independently as well as part of a team.
• Organised and efficient and critical path focused.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Highly proficient in MS office applications.
• Zedonk / PLM / PDM experience.
• Team player.