Associate Fabric R&D Manager

About the Role

In this role, you will leverage consumer insights, mill strategies, and key trends to drive fabric development, innovation, costing, and positioning. You will drive a ‘Fabric First’ mentality and strategy throughout the product-to-market process. You will also provide direction and thought partnership to internal Gap Inc teams in North America, as well as the Mill Management and Fabric Engineering teams in Asia based on cross-functional strategies.

What You'll Do

• Research fabric trends for Male Wovens which may include attending fabric fairs, mill appointments, online and instore market research, etc. 

• Create fabric boards for Woven category that represent seasonal Fabric trends with direction from Manager. 

• Work with design, production, GIS Raw Material team and suppliers to develop qualities for Male Wovens that are cost appropriate for the season and fit Old Navy’s aesthetic 

• Support Manager in following up with design, production, mills and overseas offices on any fabric related Woven issues 

• Support product integrity by facilitating the testing of all Male Woven fabrics as completion of development and reviewing test failures with Manager. 

• Maintain fabric information in PLM by creating new fabrics and following up to make sure all information is correct and complete with the GIS offices. 

• Build and maintain archive of historical and inspirational fabrics and file fabric swatches in the library that have been approved and used in previous seasons to recommend to design. 

• Manage receipt of new fabrics and file accordingly  

• Ability to work in a fast paced environment, with multiple divisions and cross functional team members. 

• Ability to manage time and prioritize as needed.   

• Monitor calendar to ensure on time deliverables. 

• Special projects as required 

Who You Are

• Strong experience with fabric constructions, dye techniques, finishes, and garment construction and manufacturing/sourcing processes 

• Proven ability to influence and make decisions across geographies in a matrix environment where speed and cultural sensitivity is crucial 

• Ability to apply fully functional professional knowledge in R&D 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 

• Strict attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment 

• Ability to accomplish tasks consistently within tight timelines 

• Ability to effectively interact with cross-functional teams 

• Awar