A great role with a thriving Brand... this role manages a team of two direct reports.
Job Purpose
The Materials Manager is responsible for leading the Materials Team to source, develop, commercialise and deliver premium quality fabrics, trims, labelling and packaging, on time and in line with the agreed strategy for each product and category, ensuring maximised profit margins and adhering to the client's quality standards throughout. Working across multiple product categories the Materials Manager is responsible for leading the team to deliver compelling and innovative fabrics and trims, driving product aesthetics to the highest level while retaining commercial viability and required performance attributes.
This role is also key in driving forward the materials elements of the Brand's compliance and sustainability goals and targets.
The Materials Manager will drive the relationships between the Brand and the fabric, trim, label and packaging suppliers to ensure that standards and specifications are understood and executable and all development and production deadlines are met on time and in full. The Materials Manager will work closely across the Product team, to ensure that expected quality standards and deadlines are upheld from concept throughout production to delivery. Working to exceed the quality expectations of customer is the key goal of your role
Main responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Fabric Development and Innovation:
Responsible for leading the team on developing and delivering market leading performance materials aligned to the seasonal briefs, utilising the brand's five key material criteria as appropriate to the range, category, style and end use
Present research and new ideas for fabric, trim, labels and packaging, in a clear, concise and professional manner at all stages of the process from seasonal kick-off through to design reviews, proto reviews, range reviews and range launches to the wider business teams such as Marketing and Retail as required
Testing, Quality and Commercialisation:
Responsible for ensuring the functional and quality demands of all fabrics are met from the product briefs through to production
CSR & Sustainability:
Develop and maintain up-to-date knowledge of sustainable and low-impact ideas, sharing information to support the product sustainability roadmap and targets and embed this thinking across the materials team and wider product team
Drive innovation within the team and explore new concepts that expand on our sustainability targets and lessen environmental impact whilst still delivering on product performance attributes
Set seasonal targets and KPI’s for the measurement and tracking of recycled, and other sustainable materials within the product range
Sourcing and Production:
Overall responsibility for sourcing, development and commercialisation of fabrics, trims, labelling and packaging with the nominated suppliers ensuring quality to Rohan brand standards
Create mutually beneficial supplier relationships to effectively drive improvement in materials production management and delivery
Desirable Skills and Competencies include:
Personal - Interest in the outdoors and travel through end user participation is a benefit
Leadership - Inspiring to the Materials team and across the business
Strategic Thinking - Ability to think innovatively whilst remaining commercial
People Development - Ability to manage team day to day whilst still delivering on own workload
Business Skills -Commercial awareness of fabrics and trims, their role in the range and cost implications
Communication & Influence - Strong communicator and presenter with the ability to build excitement around fabric and trims and to bring along key stakeholders
Technical Skills & Qualifications
Educated to degree level or similar in Textiles Design
Strong understanding of Microsoft Office
Knowledge & Experience
Relevant experience in a similar role or business is essential
Knowledge and experience of technical apparel or sportswear are a 'must have' !
This is a high profile office based role but candidates must be able to travel to Europe, Asia and within the UK when required
Full job spec available on request