Fabric Specialist, R&D Sourcing

Overview

About PHOENIX
PHOENIX Retail, LLC is a retail platform operating the Express and Bonobos brands worldwide.
About Express
Express is a multichannel apparel brand dedicated to a design philosophy rooted in modern, confident and effortless style whether dressing for work, everyday or special occasions. Since its launch in 1980, the brand has embraced a design philosophy rooted in modern, confident and effortless style. Express ensures you look and feel your best, wherever life takes you. The Company operates over 400 retail and outlet stores in the United States and Puerto Rico,  online store and the Express mobile app.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Fabric Specialist, R&D & Sourcing supports Research and Design teams with ongoing research, managing development, daily communication with cross-functional and overseas partners, the management of data entry, and maintaining files. This role is very skilled at data entry in BeProduct and can facilitate a fast flow of accurate information from the conception of the raw material idea through the bulk standard setup.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with Sr Manager Raw Materials in building seasonal fabric boards and assists in leading presentations representing current market trends and developments for the department, including ELT member audiences.
• Work with the greater design team in all knit/woven fabric categories to support larger design direction goals & objectives.
• Partner with greater Sourcing & Production Team in all knit/woven fabric categories to drive departmental strategies which meet/exceed financial objectives
• Support the Knit/Woven Fabric Research and Design partners in all aspects of fabric research and development, including independently meeting with fabric vendors, submitting design requests, being responsible for development correspondence with overseas vendors/suppliers, tracking development and swatch card ready dates
• Independently communicates daily with cross functional teams and overseas offices to assist in workload and management of fabric development status. Takes initiative in managing the inputs and outputs of departmental communication.
• Give external vendors and mills guidance with authority to approve/deny recommendations based on our design esthetic.
• Own the education of external vendors and mills on design esthetic, utilizing prior industry experience to create learning opportunities
• Lead seasonal fabric reporting with Sourcing & Production team to support lead time and departmental Average Unit Cost (AUC) strategies.
• Assists in developing new administrative strategies, seeking better procedures and efficiencies when necessary
• Responsible for accurate data entry and daily management of all relevant raw material data into Be Product
• Ensures sample yardage ready dates for all seasonal raw materials are on time for ISR sample making
• Maintains seasonal filing folders/binders, swatch cards, and bins are organized, labeled, and accurate
• Assists management with physical data and documentation related to the fabric and raw materials database including electronically save in BeProduct, FAS, ITR correspondence with mills, and seasonal fabric swatches
• Strong business acumen with ability to read and interpret reports from cross functional teams and external vendors, and provide recommendations where opportunities for improved business results are discovered
• Understand the overall strategy and financial architecture of the company in order to identify and action on opportunities for cost savings, growth, and overall commercialization of product, with the ability to articulate and present to ELT members

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in a textile related field
• 3-5 years of experience in textile industry

CRITICAL SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Strong Communication skills
• Understanding of design nuance between brands, with keen eye for identifying trends and quality in the fabric industry
• Ability to anticipate next
• Work with agility and embrace change
• Ability to collaborate with multiple team members. Positive attitude
• Sense of accountability and strong work ethic
• Punctuality and dependable attendance
• Proficiency or willingness to…