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- Tasks: Source and develop exclusive fabrics for Menswear and Womenswear collections.
- Company: Join the iconic Paul Smith team in a creative and inclusive environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, clothing allowance, private healthcare, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Be part of a luxury fashion brand and make an impact on innovative fabric development.
- Qualifications: Experience in fabric development and strong knowledge of textiles required.
- Other info: Exciting travel opportunities and a dynamic workplace culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Fabric Developer – Menswear and Womenswear RTW
Join to apply for the Fabric Developer – Menswear and Womenswear RTW role at Paul Smith
Overview
We have an exciting opportunity for a Fabric Developer to join our team. Working closely alongside the Head of Fabric, you will oversee the sourcing and development of fabrics for both our Menswear and Womenswear RTW collections. This role is based full-time in our London head office and requires travel in the UK and internationally, including trips to our Nottingham office.
Responsibilities
- Support the Head of Fabric and the Design team by sourcing and developing exclusive fabrics in line with seasonal creative direction and target pricing.
- Help organise and attend sourcing trips and meetings with suppliers, including tradeshows and showrooms.
- Collaborate with premium mills and suppliers to source and develop innovative fabrics seasonally and negotiate pricing and MOQs to meet targets.
- Manage lab dips and fabric developments and arrange fabric testing as required. Maintain clear and proactive communication with mills so developments are actioned accurately.
- Collate and manage fabric information, including pricing, lead times, composition, fabric innovation etc.
- Maintain and update fabric boards (both physical and InDesign versions) and ensure all information is current and up to date.
- Present fabric selections, developments, and research to the Head of Fabric and the Design teams.
- Maintain clear and consistent communication between Design, Product Development, and Production teams, and attend relevant meetings.
- Ensure Critical Path and key deadlines are met.
- Collate end of season sales data and share insights with relevant teams.
- Keep the fabric archive well organised and up to date and manage incoming fabric selections, pricing and filing.
Skills and Experience
- Extensive knowledge of woven and knitted textiles, including construction, composition, printing and finishing techniques.
- Proven experience in fabric development, ideally from a premium or luxury fashion brand.
- Excellent planning, prioritisation, and organisational skills.
- Ability to build effective working relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
- Proficient user of Photoshop, InDesign and Excel.
- Ability to work to strict deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
- Strong understanding of fabric trends, luxury standards and sustainable practises.
About You
- A creative mindset, with an excellent eye for detail and appreciation of colour, texture and imagery.
- Proactive, practical and commercially minded.
- Positive and approachable.
- A wide interest in fashion, culture, music, literature and the arts.
- Passionate about the Paul Smith brand.
- Able to travel within the UK and internationally, as per the requirement for this role.
What’s In It For You
- A competitive base salary
- A generous seasonal clothing allowance
- A discretionary discount on Paul Smith products
- Private healthcare with Vitality
- Access to exclusive sample sales
- Wellbeing support through the Retail Trust for you and your family
- Cycle to work and travel loan schemes
- SmartTech
- Day for change
Please note, we will begin interviewing before the closing date, so early applications will be prioritised. At Paul Smith, we celebrate and encourage applications from all walks of life into our growing workforce. We are committed to empowering people from any background, belief system, or ethnicity, offering an inclusive environment where talent is recognised and valued.
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Design and Supply Chain
Industries
- Design Services
- Retail Apparel and Fashion
- Retail
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Fabric Developer – Menswear and Womenswear RTW employer: Paul Smith
Contact Detail:
Paul Smith Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fabric Developer – Menswear and Womenswear RTW
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend fabric fairs, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Fabric Developer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your fabric development projects. Include images, samples, and any innovative techniques you've used. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Paul Smith's latest collections and fabric trends. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their creative direction and sustainability goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the Paul Smith team.
We think you need these skills to ace Fabric Developer – Menswear and Womenswear RTW
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fabrics: When you're writing your application, let your love for fabrics shine through! Talk about your experience with textiles and how it aligns with our creative direction. We want to see that you’re not just knowledgeable but genuinely excited about fabric development.
Be Organised and Clear: Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use bullet points or clear sections to highlight your skills and experiences. We appreciate clarity, especially since you'll be managing lots of fabric information and deadlines!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Fabric Developer role. Mention your experience with premium brands and how you can contribute to our team at Paul Smith.
Apply Early!: We start interviewing before the closing date, so don’t wait around! Get your application in as soon as possible through our website. The sooner we see your passion and skills, the better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Paul Smith
✨Know Your Fabrics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of woven and knitted textiles. Be ready to discuss different construction methods, compositions, and finishing techniques. This will show that you're not just passionate about fabrics but also have the expertise to back it up.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to present your ideas on fabric trends and innovations. Bring along examples of your previous work or fabric boards that highlight your eye for detail and appreciation of colour and texture. This will help you stand out as a creative thinker who aligns with the Paul Smith brand.
✨Be Proactive in Communication
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to maintain clear communication with both internal teams and external suppliers. Share examples of how you've successfully managed relationships in the past, especially when it comes to sourcing and developing fabrics.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Since this role involves meeting strict deadlines, be prepared to discuss how you handle pressure. Share specific instances where you've successfully navigated tight timelines while maintaining quality. This will reassure them that you can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
