The Raw Material Director is responsible for managing the overall process of executing new and seasonal fabrics that meet designer's aesthetic vision while balancing quality, cost and speed. They will maintain and develop a supply chain that supports the overarching strategic vision. Collaborating with mills, USA, Japan and Italy Raw Material team, and Supply Chain Partners. The RM Manager will manage Technicians within region if applicable. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Fabric Development and Sourcing:
· Effectively executes against design briefs
· Manage and train Mills across defined region
· Owns communication with mills, Hubs and Global RM team. Communicates directly with US Design team if needed
· Oversee wash development and ensure aesthetic and performance characteristics
· Be aware of industry trends through research. Attend global shows as appropriate. Manage process of communicating trend and research. Understand how the trend works and opportunities for marketing claims
· Perform periodic SWOT analysis of mill performance and alignment to sourcing needs. Identify gaps, propose ideas to close gaps and work with mills to elevate
· Partner with mill on solutions to drive to the shortest lead times while balancing cost and quality
· Guide US team on textile knowledge and mill specific processes and technology
· Analyze 4 lever costing information
· Provide macro trend information available from mill that may impact the negotiation result
. Negotiate Price
· Negotiate to eliminate fabric liabilities wherever possible
Quality:
· Oversee fabric testing and ensure mills understand expectations. Communicate as needed to QA to ensure final garment quality
· Resolve any fabric related issues on the escalation review
· Utilize technical expertise in collaboration with the mill to meet quality expectations. Proactively resolve quality issues
Process:
· Execute on strategic initiatives
· Proactively monitor and meet calendar deadlines for approvals and mill execution. Ensure capacity to meet deadlines and manage resources as needed
· Review and manage the process by analyzing metrics to determine effectiveness of current process. Surface ideas for improvement and identify any threats.
Leadership:
· Provide Inspirational leadership to direct reports
· work with direct reports to establish their goals
· Mentor and coach direct reports on performance expectations
· Influence peers and seek support from Director if difficulty in influencing upward
· Perform technician roles if no technician within country
· Provide cross functional support as identified by supervisor
INTERNAL & EXTERNAL CONTACTS
Internal Contacts: Design, Product Development, Sourcing, Merchandising,
External Contacts: Mills, Garment Factories, Trim Suppliers
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
· Direct: (Senior) Raw Mater technician
DECISION MAKING
· Responsible for day to day governance of all associates in the team
· Make decision at the best interest of brand and corporate
RESOURCEFULNESS/CREATIVITY
· Technically savvy enough to respond to the requirements as well as development of the brand teams' needs.
ENVIRONMENT:
· Must be able to operate in an environment of changing priorities and deadlines;
· Ability to be flexible and adaptable
CORE VALUE
· Embrace Smithe Studios core values: Individuality, Partnership, Passion, Integrity, and Accountability.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Education & Experience:
· Degree in Textile or related subject with 8 years or above relevant industry experience
Skills:
· Extensive knowledge of raw materials, construction, costing, macro-economic trends, and capacity planning. Knowledge of Chemicals
· Detail oriented and problem solving in approach
· Strong organizational skills. Results & solutions driven
· Ability to synthesize: take complex issues and draw valid actionable fact based conclusions
· Able to drive change, inspire, coach, mentor and develop a high performing team
· Able to establish and maintain strong working relationships cross-functionally and cross-divisionally, as well as externally
· Ability to know when to direct teams in a leadership capacity and when to take a hands-on approach in order to deliver timely results
· Strong negotiating skills in diverse cultural environments
· Ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
· Deadline-driven with a strong sense of urgency and accuracy.
· Computer literate. Knowledge of Web PLM preferred
· Good command of both spoken and written English
· Previous people management experience is a plus
