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.
Qualifications
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.
Benefits
- Disability Confident Committed - let our Talent team know if you need any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
- 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 - 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 City of Westminster employer: We're Asos
Asos is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the fashion industry. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities while enjoying benefits such as generous discounts, private medical care, and 25 days of annual leave. Located in a vibrant area, Asos provides a unique environment where creativity thrives and your contributions directly impact the brand's success.
