Product/Fabric Development Executive

Job Summary:

The Product/Fabric Development Executive will manage all fabric and resource development, supporting customers and BU cross functional teams with raw material research, discovery and qualified mill options. Responsibilities include staying abreast of fabric trends in the market, new material resources, new technologies, new fabrications, new collections that are coming into market and may be of interest to the BU Sales, Merchandising, PD and design teams. Maintain a good working knowledge of Concept 2 customers, programs, sourcing goals in order to identify opportunities and make suggestions to sales team relevant to their customers. Work closely and in collaboration with TAL Product Development. Work closely and in collaboration with TAL Material Sourcing to insure synergy in all fabric sourcing initiatives. Work directly with customers, as needed.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Understand the product ranges, price ranges and capability of different suppliers to help identify suitable suppliers for development.
• Understand TAL’s supplier manuals and ensure suppliers adhere to the manual, payment terms, testing. Proactively communicate with sales/design to understand customer needs, their requirements and overall market trends on fabric.
• Proactively communicate with sales/design to understand customer needs, their requirements and overall market trends on fabric.
• Follow key brands and industry news for new product launches, new technologies, new fibers from key suppliers e.g Invista, Dow, Lycra, etc….sustainablilty options
• Receive requests from design/Sales/customer and understand their needs. Obtain complete information (e.g. reference numbers, reference samples, sketches, quality requirements, anticipated delivery and quantity, etc.). Clarify customer needs with design/sales as needed.
• Search for suitable fabric from existing or new supplier base in line with the defined sourcing strategy and communicate TAL & customer-specific quality and testing requirements to suppliers. Highlight any critical requirements (e.g. garment dye, dipping, etc.) to prevent future quality issues. Report to manager and TAL FS team if suitable fabric cannot be sourced through known supplier portfolio.
• Obtain quotation from suitable suppliers. Compare prices across different suppliers in line with the sourcing strategy as needed. Recommend best supplier options (in terms of quality, service and cost). Provide accurate information FDS (e.g. price, Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ), production lead time, country of origin, payment terms, etc.) for the best supplier options to prepare costing and sales offer.
• Review test results and submit samples test reports to Factory CS / Sales/Design/merchandising/ customer for approval. Re-source suitable fabric and arrange for re-tests as needed.
• Negotiate with the supplier on quality and / or order details (e.g. TAL / customer’s quality requirements, price, MOQ, production lead time, country of origin, payment terms, etc.) to finalize the offer to secure TAL’s and customer’s best interests as needed. (work in conjunction with TAL FS team)
• Assist Factory Fabric Procurement Team to handle problems with fabric order (e.g. price / delivery issues on PO, etc.) as needed. (work in conjunction with TAL FS team)
• Support investigation of the root cause of the bulk fabric issues, and seek advice from Fabric Technologist and / or Fabric & Trims Quality Control Manager as needed. Negotiate with the suppliers on short-term solutions to the problems and requests corrective action plans to eliminate the problem as needed.
• Maintian a running log of all fabric development expense in relation to budget…spl yardages, trial weaves, screens, etc…

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software as well as other accounting software programs.
• Proactive and independent self-starter
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, and external agencies to maximize performance, creativity, problem-solving, and results

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A) in Fashion Merchandising or Textile Design.
• 2 years of experience in the fashion industry.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Work (create, update, and format for tracking & reporting).
• Working knowledge of PowerPoint.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.