Fabric & Sourcing Developer in Manchester

Working within the Product team, the Fabric & Sourcing Developer will support the sourcing, development and commercialisation of fabrics, trims and suppliers across Nadine Merabi collections. Partnering closely with Design, Product Development, Garment Tech and our global supply base, the role will be key in delivering premium products whilst supporting the continual development of our sourcing network, supplier partnerships and ways of working. This is a collaborative role requiring strong commercial awareness, excellent organisation and the ability to build trusted relationships internally and externally.

ROLE ACCOUNTABILITY

• Source and develop fabrics, trims and any other components for new product concepts alongside Design and Product Development.
• Work with mills and suppliers to develop and deliver elevated / exclusive qualities, finishes and embellishments aligned to the Nadine Merabi aesthetic.
• Ensure full functionality, compliance, transparency and traceability across all Merabi core fabrics and new fabric developments.
• Support seasonal innovation by sourcing new materials, trims and components as per the needs of the creative development process via the supply base, mills.
• Assist in identifying, benchmarking and onboarding new garment manufacturers, mills and trim suppliers when needed.
• Develop an understanding of supplier capability across both existing and future product categories.

RESPONSIBLE FOR:

• Build strong relationships with suppliers and act as a key day-to-day contact.
• Communicate Nadine Merabi values, standards and expectations clearly across the supply base.
• Monitor progress across fabric, trim and sample developments, ensuring agreed milestones are achieved.
• Identify risks early, propose solutions and support the removal of Critical Path bottlenecks.
• Work collaboratively across Product, Design and Garment Technology to improve speed, communication and process.

Technical & Quality Management

• Maintain fabric and trim development libraries.
• Review all fabric and trim submissions in conjunction with PD, Design and GT and ensure timely comments are shared with the supply base.
• Articulate in sharing with the supply base where improvements to fabric and trims need to be made i.e. colour, embroidery scale, stretch, weight, compositions and overall quality.
• Review all fabric and garment testing – ensuring full compliance especially in relation to REACH and Prop 65.
• Challenge back where we have failures and ensure all fabrics meet our in-house standards.
• Review all fabrics on all sampling prior to fitting to ensure they align with what has been requested or previously approved.
• Manage the Wash Care Label approval process in-line with our nominated WCL provider.
• Work with Head of Sourcing on DPP related projects in-house and with the supply base.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Previous experience within Sourcing, Buying, Fabric Development, Product Development or Garment Technology.
• Strong understanding of garment manufacturing from concept through to bulk production.
• Knowledge of fabric, trim and supplier sourcing.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Commercially aware with strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Able to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, adaptable and solutions focused.

Preferred

• Degree in Fashion, Textiles, Buying or Product Development.
• Experience within a premium or luxury fashion brand.
• Understanding of garment construction, fabric testing and quality standards.
• Experience working across international supply chains.

BEHAVIOURS

The successful candidate will:

• Be curious, proactive and eager to learn.
• Take ownership and be comfortable working autonomously.
• Build strong relationships through trust and collaboration.
• Balance commercial thinking with exceptional product standards.
• Challenge constructively and contribute new ideas.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment with a positive, agile mindset.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

Within the first 12 months you will have:

• Built trusted relationships across our supplier network.
• Successfully supported new fabric, trim and supplier developments.
• Improved sourcing processes and supplier engagement.
• Contributed to stronger Critical Path performance.
• Helped elevate the quality, consistency and commerciality of Nadine Merabi collections.