Director - Raw Materials - Knits

Our Story

We make modern classics with character. We believe in true timelessness, the integrity of well-made clothes, and since our inception, great quality at a great price. That’s in our DNA.

But, we know it’s not only about the clothes—it’s about the feeling it gives the people who wear them, whether they’re confidently giving a presentation in a well-tailored suit; basking in long salty beach days in vibrant, colorful sun-soaked swimsuits, or joyfully re-discovering their favorite Rollneck sweater in their closet again and again, season after season.

And ultimately, it’s about helping our customers be the best, most authentic versions of themselves.

And that’s what we’re after, to inspire people’s lives and style.

Our dedication to Diversity, Equity, Belonging & Sustainability has been celebrated with industry recognition, reflecting our commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable workplace.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitate and execute the design vision through strategic raw material offerings, research & new developments, innovative and diversified presentations and management of calendars.
• Maintain knowledge of macro-economic environment and commodities and associated impact to the business and partner with cross functional leads to offset negative impact.
• Elevate technical knowledge & skill set of the knit fabric team to be industry leading experts.
• Maintain a narrow but versatile, transparent and compliant mill matrix and understand each supplier’s full capabilities including knitting, dyeing and finishing machines, QA testing equipment and dye lab capabilities.
• Strategic oversight and management of the full raw material production process including final product allocation; production flexibility; monthly capacities; machine capabilities. 
• Create and maintain an environment that allows for “product first” and delivers design’s vision through “right-first-time” development within Brand aligned line plans including cost requirements and target adoption rates.
• Support Sourcing’s needs and business requirements by aligning raw material sourcing base with calendar, product and price needs; including late adds, chase product, quick-turn styles. 
• Counter-source and provide technical assistance to mills to duplicate existing core fabric qualities in multiple geographic locations to allow for competitive sourcing.
• Negotiate final fabric costing based on key mill relationships, business metrics and market conditions.
• Build key relationships between stakeholders to support the raw material calendar that drives speed to market initiatives and reduces weeks of supply. Collaborate with cross functional partners in order to meet margin goals and costing metrics. 
• Provide strong leadership, management, development and training to the Knit Fabric Team.  Continuously reevaluate the team and align the team/process in order to best service the brands and the cross-functional team. 
• Cross-Pollinate strategies, fiber, yarn and fabric ideas with the woven fabric team and the sweater yarn team.
• Lead the strategic development of fabric innovation; identify new fabric technologies to drive exclusivity of J.Crew’s portfolio of knit products.
• Direct research and development initiatives and stay well-informed of cutting-edge fabric trends and technological developments in the apparel industry.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in knitted fabric development and innovation.
• Ability to effectively collaborate, communicate and influence in a matrix environment.
• Ability to communicate well with fabric mills and other suppliers.
• Ability to travel both domestically and internationally.
• Team player and problem solver in a demanding deadline driven environment.
• Motivated, proactive, highly organized and able to adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, strong attention to detail. Experience managing teams and the direct reports

#LI-Hybrid  #LI-ED1

We welcome you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes. Our passion is scouting life-long learners who are driven by curiosity, and who feel connected to our brands and share our desire to make an impact. We’re always seeking bright new talent who leverage their unique experiences to discover, grow and evolve with our teams.

Benefits Perks

• Health & Well-being - Eligible associates and family members receive medical, dental, prescription and vision insurance, family planning (fertility, adoption & surrogacy support), fitness discounts, medical travel and more.

• Associate Discount - We love our products just as much as you do! That’s why we offer a great associate discount across all of our brands (J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, and Madewell).

• Flex Fridays - In addition to our hybrid work model, we also close our office at 1:00 PM every Friday year-round.

• Community Impact - We support the communities where we live and work through our philanthropic efforts and the J.Crew Cares Program.

• Winter Break - In addition to our PTO package, J.Crew Group offers a winter break at the end of December to eligible full-time associates at the Home Office to provide time to refresh and recharge.

Note: Availability of these benefits and perks may be subject to work location & employment type and may have certain eligibility requirements.

At J.Crew Group (JCG) we aim to pay competitively for our company’s size and industry. The base salary offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region of work premises, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.  The base salary is just one component of J.Crew Group’s competitive total rewards strategy that also includes the opportunity for bonus, competitive benefits and perks.

One of our core focuses here at JCG is creating a community and culture that builds belonging. We are deeply committed to our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, and we warmly welcome job applicants of all backgrounds.

JCG is proud to affirmatively provide equal opportunity to all associates and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or citizenship, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, legally protected physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other basis protected under applicable law.

Salary : $136,000 - $170,000