The Raw Materials Manager provides technical fabric management through the coordination of research and development projects for all seasonal fabrics within the assigned category for Newell Brands Technical Apparel (Marmot & ExOfficio)

The position leads a team of raw material support specialists and collaborates with internal Category Teams, Design, and Developers to execute creative, performance driven materials that meet product requirements. Researches trend and forward-thinking fabric development and defines strategies for in season and seasonless long range fabric development. Includes managing the testing environments, lab dips and special finishes to execute against calendar deliverables and supports the visibility needs of the planning and operations partners for on time delivery.

Job Scope & Major Responsibilities:
• Meets regularly with the specialist teams to collaborate on operational excellence and alignment of supply chain needs to support streamlined process and provide mentorship and training.
• Attend fabric meetings with Category Manager(s) and Designers and Developers to regularly review, refine and develop into fabrics appropriate for the category within the calendar windows, taking accountability for landing fabrics on time, on quality, on trend, on cost.
• Researches and sources new innovative fabrics that align with the category needs including qualities that require longer leads times and may be outside of the current season. Maintains visibility and tracks for future seasons thinking seasonless.
• Keeps appropriate team(s) up to date on all open deliverables of new, current and post season fabric status.
• Oversees and participates in maintenance of PLM data base of fabric item numbers, descriptions and updates as needed.
• Attends key merchandising and design milestone meetings to advise on the development of desired fabric finishes and hand standards, costing, and prepares swatches for review.
• Attends key meetings/fabric fairs/expos to identify potential fabric for new seasons, as requested by category managers and design. Assists in creating seasonal fabric trend presentations to share with design pre-season.
• Reviews fabric costing needs to be sure fabric is adoptable or build into proper price for the product, interface with sourcing team on costing scenarios.
• Coordinates development of new fabric finish effects with vendors and the overseas fabric team including testing environments and reports.
• Coordinates testing requirements for specific category and maintains testing log as well as updates on testing issues. Regularly interfaces with Mill and third-party labs.
• Maintains physical fabric library.
• Participate in MOQ, MCQ and surcharges at the buy timing as well as implementing process improvement for the overall process structure.
• Supports regulatory updates from International teams on REACH, PROP 65 etc. as needed
• Ability to meet development calendar schedules and keep team informed on any issues.
• Travels to fabric Mills to review weaving, knitting and dying processes and maintain best in class mill partners.
• Owns continuous improvement efforts on sustainable materials and Blue sign alignment.
• Owns KPI management of mill performance.

Key Qualifications:

• University or four-year college degree in textiles, fashion or apparel design or equivalent experience
• A minimum of 6 years of experience with fabric production, preferably in the outdoor, travel, or similar apparel manufacturing industry
• Practical knowledge of related functions such as apparel design, production, sales and merchandising, and practical knowledge of product application and functionality are required
• Knowledge of manufacturing process, fabrics, mechanical and chemical treatment, and comfortable in foreign work environments
• Knowledge of textile and material construction and properties
• Knowledge of product costs
• Must have excellent color sense, ability to pass HUE 100 at elevated level
• Ability to manage and lead change, build SOP’s and articulate progress both orally and written
• Presentation/speaking skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated collaboration, interpersonal influence, and teamwork skills (maintains effective communication and working relationships)
• Results orientation while exhibiting great creativity, energy, and resourcefulness
• Strong project planning, organizational and time management skills and an elevated level of initiative
• Strong analytical skills and data-driven thinking
• Proficiency in all Microsoft programs; intermediate Microsoft Excel skills required
• Able to travel up to 20% of the year, including international travel to visit factories and mills

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