Job Title: Fabric R&D Coordinator

Exemption Status: Exempt

Reports to: CEO

Role Summary:

This role ties together both technical fabric knowledge and innovation with customer-centric service. This individual not only leads the charge in sourcing and developing cutting-edge fabrics but also actively engages with customers to ensure that the company's fabric offerings meet and exceed market demands. With a deep understanding of product offerings, customer needs, sustainability, and quality control procedures, this role works closely with sales, design teams, and overseas mills to deliver unparalleled fabric solutions.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

· Fabric Innovation and Development:

o Analyze and work with the company’s customer base to identify fabric needs, trends, and opportunities to develop new fabrics.

o Communicate needs and opportunities to the design and sales teams.

o Take the lead in sourcing such fabric innovations from new and existing fabric mills.

o Follow up with the fabric suppliers and customers for fabrics in the sourcing que.

· Customer Engagement and Service:

o Directly engage with customers through meetings, calls, and visits to understand their specific needs.

o Present sourced fabric swatches/colors cards and provide detailed product presentations.

o Have the knowhow and experience to source a fabric line and make in person presentations to clients

o Follow up with customers and mills to address queries, ensure satisfaction, and gather insights for future development.

o Request fabric information from mills and send proper FDS sheets to customers.

· Market Alignment and Customer Satisfaction:

o Anticipate customer needs for fabric developments and swiftly address specific fabric requests, ensuring solutions meet quality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness criteria.

o Regularly visit customers to showcase fabric innovations, reinforcing customer relationships and aligning product development with market demands.

· Quality Control and Costing:

o Collaborate with mills to ensure fabrics meet high quality control standards from sampling to bulk production, adhering to customer-defined price points.

o Provide transparency and expertise on fabric costing, construction, and sustainability practices to mill and customers.

o Analyze shipping sample bulk production submits and send them out to customers.

o Request and record fabric information/costings from mills.

· Internal Collaboration and Communication:

o Serve as the liaison between customers and internal teams, translating customer feedback and preferences into actionable insights for product development.

o Maintain documentation of customer interactions and feedback to inform strategic decisions in fabric development and sourcing.

o Set up developments from start to finish.

· Educational and Supportive Role:

o Offer knowledge and insights to both internal stakeholders and customers regarding fabric trends, construction techniques, and sustainability initiatives, positioning the company as a leader in fabric innovation.

Key Qualifications:

· Extensive knowledge in textile science and fabric technologies, with a keen eye for sustainability and innovation in the fabric industry.

· Proven experience in customer service or client-facing roles, demonstrating strong communication and presentation skills.

· Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners, balancing technical expertise with commercial awareness.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the capability to manage projects from conception through to delivery.

· Passion for staying ahead of industry trends and translating them into actionable product strategies.

Zelouf International provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.