नोकरीचे वर्णन

Overview

The Director of Materials Innovation & Global Strategy leads the Raw Materials division, steering the creative vision for fabric research, innovation, and development across fabric, leather, trim, and hardware. Reporting to the Chief Officer of Product Development & Production Sourcing, this position acts as a key creative partner to Design, providing pioneering research, market insights, and direct mill engagement rather than simply executing design directives. The role requires the capacity to develop tangible new materials while managing rapid shifts in project priorities within a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

Direct the creative and innovative strategy for fabric development over multiple seasons and product lines.
Continuously research emerging textile technologies, sustainable materials, and global trends to proactively introduce new ideas and materials ahead of seasonal demands.
Participate in industry events, such as mills, fabric fairs, and trend shows, to cultivate vendor relationships and source innovative materials.
Collaborate closely with Design to co-create material directions that balance creativity, pricing, margins, and timelines ensuring production feasibility.
Simultaneously execute current seasonal developments while driving ongoing innovation in sustainable fabrics, performance tech, and special finishing methods.
Oversee the development of seasonal fabric strategies and manage the pre-season calendar to align innovation delivery with production and business goals.
Maintain the Raw Materials library as a reference for brand fabric aesthetics and innovations.
Manage financial alignment pertaining to fabric sourcing, ensuring selections conform with pricing matrices and margin targets.
Partner with Global Purchasing and Merchandising leads to develop fabric specs and sourcing plans that satisfy creative and cost considerations.
Lead negotiations with vendors to secure innovative fabrics within budget and margin frameworks.
Set strategic goals for the Raw Materials department across all material types, coordinating cross-category collaboration and enforcing profitability accountability among senior managers.
Implement process improvements, supply chain optimization, and AI-driven efficiencies in material development and production workflows.
Ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards through department-wide testing and oversight of material usage throughout the product lifecycle.
Manage material inventories effectively including reallocation or disposal.
Conduct seasonal performance reviews highlighting supplier results, production outcomes, and compliance adherence.
Drive cross-functional collaboration with Design, Creative, Development, Merchandising, Production, and Supply Planning to maintain raw materials strategy alignment.
Serve as the final authority on fabric quality issues, directional changes, and strategic overrides.
Lead and nurture a global Raw Materials team, setting annual goals focused on productivity, innovation, profitability, and engagement.
Provide coaching, career development, and foster knowledge sharing across teams and material categories.
Oversee departmental budget, travel, resources, and lead key vendor partnerships and negotiations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Fashion, Textile Engineering, Product Development, or a closely related discipline.
Ten or more years of experience in fabric development and innovation with strong textile and specialty materials expertise.
Proven history of pioneering material research and introducing proprietary or first-to-market fabrics into collections.
Established global contacts with mills and suppliers and frequent direct engagement at mills, fabric fairs, and trend events.
Ability to both meet demanding seasonal deadlines and continually generate innovative concepts within a fast-changing creative environment.
In-depth knowledge of fabric treatments including washes, dyes, finishes, and performance traits.
At least five years' leadership experience managing teams.
Track record demonstrating fabric innovation leadership within luxury or contemporary fashion contexts.
Strong aesthetic sensibility and ability to co-create material directions directly with Design teams.
Robust business insight into material pricing, cost structures, and fabric sourcing profitability.
Experience balancing creative vision with financial and production calendars.
Outstanding communication skills for cross-functional strategic partnerships, presenting to Design and executive leadership.
History of managing and advancing high-performing teams across multiple units.
Skillful at influencing internal and external stakeholders towards change and innovation.
Willingness to travel regularly internationally to mills, trends shows, fabric fairs, and global offices.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated salary range for this role is $165,000 to $175,000 annually, adjusted based on experience and qualifications, in accordance with New York City salary transparency laws.

Clothing allowance and discounted merchandise.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
Flexible spending accounts and commuter benefits.
401(k) retirement plan with employer matching.
Summer Fridays offering enhanced work-life balance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Alexanderwang LLC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals including women, minorities, veterans, and disabled persons.

Director, Material Innovation & Global Strategy

तुम्ही जिथे काम कराल