At a Glance
- Tasks: Curate fabric selections and create compelling fabric stories that align with market trends.
- Company: Join Whitemeadow, a leading UK sofa manufacturer known for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, on-the-job training, and opportunities for overtime pay.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities to trade shows across the UK and Europe.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team shaping the future of upholstery design.
- Qualifications: Experience in fabric selection or textiles, with strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 4:00pm
Friday 8:00pm - 3:00pm
Who we are
You may not have heard of Whitemeadow before, but we’re sure you’ve sat on one of our sofas at some point! That’s because we supply high quality sofas and upholstered beds to the leading furniture retailers across the UK. Whitemeadow is also the largest privately owned manufacturer in the UK with sites across Nottinghamshire, in Sutton in Ashfield, Huthwaite and South Normanton.
Our mission at Whitemeadow is to constantly strive to lead in our industry, both in terms of product and people. We’re proud of the work we do and the people who work for us. First and foremost, we always look to recruit talented people who align with our values and ways of working. This vision takes a multi-disciplined workforce, each with a ‘right first time’ attitude and skills that contribute to pushing us ahead of our competition.
Most companies exist to simply make and sell product. We’re different. At Whitemeadow, we believe in inspiring, impressing and innovating.
About the job
At Whitemeadow, we’re committed to having the best design team in the upholstery manufacturing industry. We aim to inspire our customers with commercially focused designs that resonate with the latest trends.
The Fabric Selector will play a key role in curating our products. We’re looking for a creative, commercially minded individual who will align our design vision with both emerging trends and market demands to create compelling fabric stories. This role requires a passionate and detail-oriented individual, with a great sense of organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Fabric Selection
- Create commercial and cohesive “fabric stories” that align with specific product briefs and current trends, balancing creativity with cost competitiveness.
- Ensure all fabric choices are in alignment with customer expectations and product launch schedules.
- Ensure new fabric suggestions consider supply chain, compliance, performance, and price‑point requirements.
- Hold regular meetings with suppliers, both at our premises and in their showrooms.
- Work closely with fabric suppliers and mills to develop new fabric qualities that align with identified trends.
- Negotiate cost prices with suppliers.
- Ensure we hold an up‑to‑date copy of all supplier swatches, ordering new as and when required.
Trend Research
- Proactively research and identify emerging trends within the home interiors, upholstery, and textiles industry.
- Attend domestic and European furniture and fabric shows to identify relevant, commercial design trends.
- Keep Design, Sales and Marketing teams up to speed with any new trends, new fabrics, new RF techniques etc.
- Present new fabric trends during Sales & Design meetings.
New Fabric Selection & Set Up
- In collaboration with both the customer and our sales team, select a colour shortlist for use in our swatches.
- Collate all relevant fabric details from our suppliers, and populate in to our Fabric Introduction Form.
- Create ‘Master Gold Seal’ fabric board for all new fabric introductions, for production reference.
- Maintain an up to date and continuously evolving Fabric Development Schedule via Trello.
- Management of photography of all running fabric colours.
- Maintain and update our independent fabrics on the Whitemeadow website with relevant information.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with fabric suppliers to ensure Whitemeadow is primarily considered for new product launches.
- Ensure suppliers adhere to industry legislation and standards.
- Ensure all suppliers are aware of and adhere to our Service Level Agreement.
- Work closely with our Fabric & Compliance coordinator to ensure we obtain, maintain and upkeep FR and performance certification for all fabrics.
- Ensure prompt creation of Fabric File Notes, allowing the wider business access to key fabric information
- Work closely with the Design Team and Sales Team to curate fabric stories for new product ranges.
- Create fabric and mood boards for customer presentations.
- Involvement in presentations, interfacing with customers, providing fabric trend insights and tailored fabric suggestions
- Gather customer feedback to refine and improve fabric selection choices.
- Liaising with Cutting, Sewing and Quality departments to discuss fabric issues and take action where required.
- Work closely with the Head of Fabric to understand supplier performance and use this knowledge for future fabric selections.
Organisation & Day to Day
- Maintain a well‑organised fabric swatch room and uphold a professional work environment.
- Keep a record of all supplier meetings on OneNote.
- Keep a record of all swatches and sample rolls ordered - dates and prices etc.
- Check and approve all sample order invoices and handle any price discrepancies.
- Directly handle any price increases, liaising with relevant management for approval and ensure our systems are updated accurately and in good time.
- Order the Development departments sample length fabrics, whether sample rolls from suppliers or from existing production stock.
- Organise fabric sample piece requirements for key customers, when required.
Requirements for the role
- Proven background in fabric selection, textiles, upholstery manufacturing or a related field.
- Ability to maintain strong communicative relationships with suppliers.
- Ability to translate trend insights into commercially viable fabric stories.
- Strong creative with a meticulous eye for detail.
- Confident communicator, able to present to both internal teams and customers.
- Collaborative mindset, working effectively across design, sales, and marketing functions.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage a dynamic schedule with multiple priorities.
- Positive attitude and a proactive approach to all tasks at hand.
- Flexibility to travel within the UK and Europe to attend trade shows and customer visits.
Benefits
- 30 days holiday per year pro rata
- On-the-job training and development opportunities
- Voluntary overtime paid at a premium rate
- Life assurance
- Formal and informal training opportunities
- Good welfare facilities
Sutton-in-Ashfield / South Normanton
Nottinghamshire
Fabric Selector employer: Whitemeadow Furniture Limited
Whitemeadow is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values creativity and innovation in the upholstery manufacturing industry. With a commitment to employee growth through on-the-job training and development opportunities, as well as a supportive environment that encourages collaboration across teams, Whitemeadow stands out as a place where your contributions truly matter. Located in Nottinghamshire, employees enjoy a competitive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances and life assurance, making it an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Whitemeadow Furniture Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fabric Selector
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
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✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for Whitemeadow Furniture Limited.
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We think you need these skills to ace Fabric Selector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at Whitemeadow Furniture Limited.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to Whitemeadow Furniture Limited!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at Whitemeadow Furniture Limited. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Whitemeadow Furniture Limited
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
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In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
