Manager, Fabric R&D

About Us

 

Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty.  Centric Brands is focused on our customers and our brands that will drive the company’s future growth. We are defined by innovation as we seize new opportunities and thrive in an environment informed by creativity and thinking that is both analytical and outside the box.  Centric Brands reflects a team built on respect, for others and for the hard work it takes to achieve our goals and build our bright future together.

 

Production

From sourcing raw materials to manufacturing, order placement, pricing and quality control and getting the finished product where it needs to be, our production team is responsible for ensuring we keep our standards high and our business profitable at every step of the journey. If you are a focused, results -driven, tenacious and highly flexible team player, we’ll give you every opportunity to build a rewarding career with one of the world’s foremost major lifestyle brand collectives

Specific Responsibilities Would Include

The Fabric Manager leads the seasonal fabric research, development, and sourcing. This role works closely with the Design, Merchandising, Product Development, and Production teams to ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of high-quality fabrics that reflect the brand's vision. 

 

 

Fabric research and development

• Research and identify new fabric trends, technologies, and innovations.
• Collaborate with the design team to interpret creative direction and translate it into a seasonal fabric strategy.
• Source new fabrics and counter-source existing ones by working with the overseas buying office and directly with Mills
• Manage the development process for new qualities, prints, and finishes from concept to final sample approval.
• Maintain and update the seasonal fabric library, vendor matrix, and digital records in the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system. 

Sourcing and costing

• Partner with vendors to secure flash costing and negotiate prices, minimums, and lead times to meet seasonal budget and margin goals.
• Develop a strategic sourcing plan to build and maintain long-lasting relationships with mills and suppliers.
• Proactively identify potential production or costing issues and propose alternative, cost-effective solutions. 

Quality assurance and calendar management

• Ensure all developed fabrics meet the company's quality, performance, and sustainability standards through collaboration with the testing and quality assurance teams.
• Create and manage the fabric development calendar, ensuring all key deadlines are met to support the seasonal product lifecycle.
• Resolve any quality issues that arise with mills during the production phase. 

Cross-functional collaboration

• Serve as the main point of contact for internal and external partners regarding fabric development.
• Attend all key cross-functional meetings to provide fabric updates, address potential issues, and ensure team alignment.

Our Best Fit Candidate Would Have

• Bachelor's degree in Textile Design, Fashion, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in fabric research, development, or sourcing within the fashion or retail apparel industry, with a strong focus on woven bottoms fabrics.
• Extensive knowledge of woven fabric construction, fibers, yarns, dyeing, finishing techniques, and garment construction.
• Experience with PLM software is essential. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Illustrator, and other relevant systems is also required.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, a proactive problem-solver, and able to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

In return, we provide an industry-competitive salary, along with a comprehensive benefits plan (medical, dental, vision) that includes a matching 401 (k), Summer Fridays, generous PTO, merchandise discounts, excellent career development opportunities, and a work environment that reflects our industry leadership. Our social impact program, Centric Cares, focuses on volunteerism to make a difference in communities we live and work in and our D&I committee is shaping the future of diversity, equity and inclusion at Centric Brands though workshops, resources and inspiring conversation. 

 

Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000

 

At Centric Brands, we believe our people are our greatest asset, and we seek to structu