Color Manager

Client Overview:

Our client is an apparel company specializing in product development and innovation. They are looking to add a Color Manager to their team.

Salary/Hourly Rate:

$95k - $105k

Position Overview:

The Color Manager is responsible for end-to-end color development across all brands, managing the seasonal palette creation through to production handoff. This role oversees cross-functional color workflows, maintains color tools and systems, and collaborates closely with Design, Sourcing, and Global teams to ensure color accuracy and consistency at every stage.

Responsibilities of the Color Manager:

* Build and manage the Seasonal Color R&D Calendar. Spectro-read Concept Colors for closest vendor catalog matches, order swatches, and create Concept Color boards.

* Create and maintain Seasonal Master Palettes, Groups, and color libraries across design and product lifecycle management systems.

* Build Seasonal Denim Wash, Non-SAP, S/D, and 3rd Party License Collaboration colors in PLM. Manage the S/D Color List with Design, coordinating chiclet flow with Sourcing teams.

* Cut palette fabrics, chip Seasonal Master Palettes, and supply Chipped Foam Board Groups to Design Partners. Order and maintain all palette-making and color wall materials.

* Conduct seasonal Color Health Checks with color standards to confirm adopted colors meet fiber and dye requirements. Obtain and route lab dips for review.

* Re-match existing colors as needed due to printer calibration shifts; update RGB values across all systems and maintain QTX files in spectrophotometer software.

* Maintain the Color Room and all cross-functional team tools, catalogs, and supplies. Process invoices in enterprise resource planning software and track Color Room spend by season.

* Maintain Light Boxes, spectrophotometer devices, and printer calibrations.

* Support Product Marketing R&D budget and purchase orders. Provide color submit reviews, administer Color Tests, and monitor ink/paper inventory for replenishment.

Required Experience/Skills for the Color Manager:

* Experience in color R&D or color management within a product development or apparel environment.

* Proficiency in design and PLM software systems.

* Hands-on experience with spectrophotometer devices and QTX file management.

* Working knowledge of enterprise resource planning software for invoice processing and spend tracking.

* Strong understanding of color theory, dye processes, and fabric behavior across fiber types.

* Ability to manage multiple seasonal timelines with strong attention to detail and cross-functional coordination.

Preferred Experience /Skills for the Color Manager:

* Prior experience in a Manager or senior individual contributor role overseeing color strategy is preferred.

Education Requirements:

* Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Textile Science, or a related field is required.

* Equivalent experience will be considered.

Benefits:

* Client-provided benefits available, upon eligibility.