Fabric Selector in Sutton Coldfield

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.

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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