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- Tasks: Drive innovation and sourcing of sustainable raw materials for top UK brands.
- Company: Join a dynamic co-creation partner for major UK retailers in fashion.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, excellent holidays, and other perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team making a positive impact on sustainability in fashion.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in raw material sourcing with a passion for sustainability required.
- Other info: Work closely with global teams and have a direct impact on product development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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Client:
u&i Search
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Job Category:
Other
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Yes
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Job Reference:
f90a5f266020
Job Views:
3
Posted:
12.07.2025
Expiry Date:
26.08.2025
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Job Description:
Our client is a dynamic and innovative co-creation partner for major UK retailer brands, covering Knitwear, Lingerie, and Activewear. As part of our growth strategy, they are looking to attract talented individuals to work closely with their in-house design and global supply chain teams. As Raw Materials Specialist you will play a critical role in driving innovation, sourcing and technical expertise in raw materials across all product categories. The role will focus on ensuring that the UK and global teams have access to the most suitable, sustainable, and commercially viable raw materials, supporting product design, development, and bulk production.
Raw Materials Specialist – The Role:
• Develop and implement a Yarn and Raw Material strategy aligned with product categories and customer requirements.
• Create and maintain a material library, ensuring up-to-date records of innovations, supplier capabilities, and sustainable options.
• Align with the Global Head of RM and UK COO on future sourcing strategies and seasonal material direction.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new yarn and material suppliers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key mills and suppliers, ensuring consistent quality, cost competitiveness, and innovation.
• Negotiate pricing, MOQs, lead times, and service levels with suppliers.
• Drive innovation in yarns and/or raw materials, ensuring alignment with sustainability goals and customer expectations.
• Work closely with the design and product teams to identify sustainable material options and track environmental impact metrics (e.g., carbon footprint, water usage).
• Partner with mills and suppliers on circularity initiatives, recycled content, and low impact dyeing and finishing techniques.
• Work hand-in-hand with designers and product developers to recommend suitable yarns and materials for each product category.
• Ensure all selected raw materials meet the performance, aesthetic, and cost requirements of the customer brief.
• Support the sample room and development process by ensuring timely material
• Provide technical guidance on yarn and fabric properties, ensuring optimal construction, performance, and fit across all product categories.
• Troubleshoot any raw material issues during development and production, working closely with suppliers and internal teams.
• Work closely with the global supply chain team to ensure materials are sourced efficiently, and supplier capabilities are leveraged across the global business.
• Align UK requirements with global sourcing strategies, ensuring synergies across regions.
• Continuously monitor market trends, competitor materials, and emerging technologies, providing regular updates and recommendations to the design and product teams.
• Conduct competitive shopping exercises to benchmark material offerings against key competitors.
• Ensure all raw materials comply with relevant safety, chemical, and performance standards, as well as customer-specific requirements.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to material quality, supply chain disruption, and cost inflation.
Raw Materials Specialist – The Candidate:
• Minimum 4+ years experience in yarn and/or raw material sourcing/development, ideally across knitwear, lingerie, and activewear.
• Strong technical understanding of yarns, fabrics, knitting technologies, dyeing & finishing processes.
• Proven experience in supplier sourcing and negotiation.
• Solid understanding of sustainable materials and circularity principles.
• Strong project management skills and ability to work across cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Experience working with both large retailers and niche brands.
• Proficiency in PLM or similar materials management systems.
• Passionate about sustainability and innovation.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving mindset.
• Able to work independently while collaborating effectively across global teams.
• Proactive and solution-focused approach.
Raw Materials Specialist – The Package:
• Competitive salary DOE
• Excellent holidays and other benefits
Due to the anticipated interest in this role only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
By applying for this role you have consented to the u&i Search GDPR policy.
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Raw Materials Specialist employer: u&i Search
Contact Detail:
u&i Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Raw Materials Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the textile and fashion industry. Attend trade shows, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and suppliers. Building relationships can give you insights into the latest trends and opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on sustainable materials and innovations in the textile sector. Follow relevant blogs, podcasts, and social media accounts to understand what’s trending. This knowledge will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with supplier negotiations and project management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully sourced materials or improved processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with PLM systems and other materials management tools. If you have experience with these, be sure to highlight it. If not, consider taking a short course to boost your knowledge before applying.
We think you need these skills to ace Raw Materials Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in yarn and raw material sourcing, especially in knitwear, lingerie, and activewear. Use specific examples to demonstrate your technical understanding and project management skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for sustainability and innovation. Mention how your background aligns with the company's goals and how you can contribute to their growth strategy.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Emphasise your strong technical understanding of yarns, fabrics, and knitting technologies. Provide examples of how you've successfully negotiated with suppliers or implemented sustainable practices in previous roles.
Highlight Relationship Management: Discuss your experience in building and maintaining relationships with suppliers and cross-functional teams. This is crucial for the role, so provide specific instances where your communication and negotiation skills made a difference.
How to prepare for a job interview at u&i Search
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
As a Raw Materials Specialist, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of yarns, fabrics, and the relevant technologies. Be prepared to discuss specific materials you've worked with and how they align with sustainability goals.
✨Highlight Your Supplier Relationships
Discuss your experience in building and maintaining relationships with suppliers. Share examples of how you've negotiated pricing or improved quality, as this will show your ability to manage supplier dynamics effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding raw material issues during development. Think of past challenges you've faced and how you resolved them, focusing on your proactive approach.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
Given the emphasis on sustainable materials, be ready to talk about your commitment to sustainability in your previous roles. Share any initiatives you've led or participated in that align with circularity principles and environmental impact reduction.
