Associate Technical Raw Material Developer

Position Location: Dearborn, MI
Department: Global Product Development
Reports To: Manager, Raw Material Development 
FLSA Status: Exemp

Classification: Hybrid 
Job Band: Professional 

 

Job Summary 
The Associate Technical Raw Material Developer, in a support role to the Technical Raw Material team, collaborates with Design and Merchandising teams to assist with development of new materials and execute against seasonal timelines. In this role, the Associate Technical Raw Material Developer will assist with developments, development status meetings, and assigned projects, while having general knowledge of raw material development with emphasis on building material technical knowledge. This role builds and fosters collaboration with the Technical Raw Material team and cross-functional partners. 

 

We Are All Leaders at Carhartt
In our words and by our actions, we strive to emulate the hardworking example set forth by our founder, Hamilton Carhartt. We Lead Business by creating value, delivering on results, and making changes along the way. We Lead Self by being inclusive, recognizing that our differences make us stronger as we strive to build a better world, together, for all hardworking people. We Lead Others by communicating and clearly defining the path as we walk bravely into the future. Working at Carhartt, we are all given a seat at the table and the honor of continuing the legacy.

 

Representative Responsibilities 

• Assist in all new seasonal and resource raw material developments to support Tech RM Team. Includes initiating developments; tracking development status; and coordinating testing of materials and results analysis.
• Analyze and interpret raw material test results based on development specifications in a timely manner. Works with manager to communicate and troubleshoot development challenges with supplier.
• Ensure timely completion of assigned products following the predetermined product development calendar. Provide regular updates on all developments to managers, internal and external partners as appropriate.
• Assists RM team to partner with Sourcing to troubleshoot any developments including but not limited to manufacturing locations; pricing, MOQ, delivery issues, and lead time; and stage materials for on time Prototype and SMS (salesman sample) deliveries.
• Assists and prepares hand-off of approved raw material (standard, specs, and testing) to Quality team to execute bulk production.
• Collaborate with manager to present raw material trend direction and lifecycle analysis to Design and Merchant partners. Researches and develops materials based on seasonal strategies and innovation needs of the business. 
• Develop and foster key relationships with counterparts in Global Supply Chain, Design, Technical Design, Color Management, Sourcing, and Quality.
• Arrange and participate in supplier meetings with cross functional teams including Product Development and Design. 
• Assists in Raw Material Library organization and seasonal/ongoing clean up under direction from Manager.
• Assists to maintain seasonal Raw Material Boards and Fabric Maps.
• Build on technical knowledge; and stay abreast of changes in the law, regulations and industry trends related to the textile industry including new technologies; and focus on how these changes and/or trends can influence and support divisional and company strategies.

 

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Textiles, Textile Engineering, Apparel, or a related field; or equivalent years of related experience in lieu of degree.

 

Required Skills & Experience 

• Experience in product development within the Apparel or Textile industry preferred.
• Knowledge of fabric and trim development.
• Exposure to product testing and fabric/yarn specific materials/constructions, including but not limited to: natural and synthetic woven and knit constructions, as well as mechanical and performance finishes preferred. 
• Proficient in technology including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator, etc.
• PLM experience preferred. 
• Good analytical skills and aptitude.
• Ability to learn quickly and work in a team environment
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to be flexible, solution oriented and adaptive to changing priorities.

 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions 

• Normal office environment, extended periods of sitting/standing or typing at a computer is required
• Willing to work some weekends if necessary
• National and International travel required (15%)
• Light lifting may be required 25LBS
• This position has a Hy