What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Associate/Manager - Raw Materials – Footwear and Accessories position at Rag & Bone?
About rag & bone:
From our origins in New York in 2002, rag & bone was founded on a belief of uncompromising ideals: a commitment to doing things the right way, not the easy way. To making things that are as original as they are timeless. To being true to ourselves, even when that truth sets us apart from the mainstream.
We still believe in the same principles we started with: the easy elegance of classic British tailoring, the authenticity of American workwear, and the originality of our home city, New York. As New Yorkers, community and authenticity have become synonymous with our brand. An inclusive environment at rag & bone upholds our original values by encouraging employee connection and empowering each individual to have a voice on policy, process, and collaboration for a more equitable future.
Job Summary:
- Responsible for sourcing all raw materials, development through to production for all categories. This includes all nominated leather, textiles, hardware and trims.
- Owns daily communication with material suppliers
- Manage seasonal color standards and approvals from proto through to production
- Own sending all color masters out to factories and suppliers.
- Own organization of seasonal material books and ensuring references of all sample materials are received.
- Order seasonal pantones
- Coordinate materials for trials and prototypes.
- Own compiling all LDS/FDS info from suppliers and relaying to factories in a timely manner
- Counter source any materials that are out of price/moq targets
- Evaluate suppliers based on specialty, cost, quality, lead times and conduct cost exercises
- Pre-book sample materials for SMS when needed and follow through on quality and color approvals into production.
- Manage timeline for materials including when factories need materials on hand to meet sample/production deadlines.
- Track certifications on all materials where applicable
- Meet with existing and new suppliers for research and development purposes.
- Ongoing research of new competitive suppliers for costing and quality
- Work with local factories to modify SMS for market preparation.
- Ensure bulk material comments are up to date post SMS reviews
- Review all bulk masters before they are sent out to suppliers
- Own maintaining bulk material file with comments, timing and approvals
- Send bulk recaps to suppliers once bulk orders are placed
- Track and approve Bulk materials
- Facilitate Bulk Material testing to ensure global compliance
- Track and record all test result
- Maintain core standards
- Own maintaining material library and keep organized weekly with assistance from interns
- Maintain material library, develop resources and tools
- Keep track of all sample and bulk liabilities.
- Ensure swatches and quantities are up to date each season.
- Code all material invoices in Medius Flow and ensure invoices are submitted and paid on time.
- Experience in production development and production – preferably footwear
- Detail oriented and highly organized
- Strong analytical, problem solving, and creative thinking skills
- Effective time management skills and ability to prioritize and adhere to deadlines
- Sense of urgency and the ability to manage changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Experienced understanding of leather development process, tanning, dying, and finishing techniques
- Ability to communicate with cross functional and overseas partners to navigate difficult situations while driving solutions and maintaining positive relationships.
- Strong computer literacy in Microsoft office programs and experience with PLM systems
