Fabric Development Manager

Our client is renowned for its commitment to the highest quality, especially through its fabric selection. The focus on luxury fabrics is central to their menswear collections, with each piece crafted to reflect creativity and sophistication.

Position Summary

A newly created role, the Fabric Development Manager is a pivotal role within the brand, responsible for managing their extensive and complex fabric collections, with an emphasis on luxury formal fabrics such as cashmere and wool. Reporting directly to the Chief Product Operations Officer, this multifaceted role requires the ability to navigate and control the entire fabric development process from concept through to delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee Fabric Development: Manage the critical path of fabric development, ensuring the seamless integration of design and production elements.

Direct Team Management: Supervise and collaborate with the fabric developer, ensuring the alignment with the creative vision.

Vendor Coordination: Handle complex negotiations with vendors and mills, ensuring time deliveries are honored and quality standards are met.

Fabric Selection and Assessment: Evaluate and manage the quality of expensive, exclusive fabrics, ensuring they meet the high standards of our collections.

Supply Chain Management: Strengthen supply chain control on the fabrics management side, supporting the design team while building stronger links with production.

Desired Skills and Experience

Luxury Fabric Expertise: Experience in luxury fabric development is highly beneficial, with a strong understanding of high-end materials and their application in fashion.

Technical and Managerial Skills: Proven technical know-how in fabrics, complemented by strong managerial capabilities and experience in industrial and operations teams.

Communication and Negotiation: Ability to effectively communicate with and manage mills, ensuring high-quality production and timely deliveries.

Language Skills: Proficiency in Italian is advantageous due to frequent collaborations with Italian mills.

Location and Travel

The position is based in Central London, with 4 days per week required on-site.

Significant travel to Italy is required

Mangement

1 person to manage