Assistant Manager, Fabric R&D - Wovens - Banana Republic

Job Description

Individual will support the team to develop newness and innovation through raw material sourcing. The individual will understand the big picture strategy and alignment needs across divisions that support the Brand LRP and Supply Chain initiatives. The team will bring new ideas to the design table each season while also conducting seasonless, continual research and development. Individual will source seasonal design requests with appropriate vendors and offer creative solutions if the request is outside the Brand's sourcing and pricing strategy. Individual will abide by vendor policies and guidelines as defined by Supply Chain and procurement strategies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Support the sourcing of newness and innovation in brand raw materials.

• Translate brand aesthetic into clear, executable direction for vendor technicians.
• Build and clearly articulate seasonal boards that represent overall brand strategy, design vision, and textile industry innovations and tends.
• Utilize technical expertise to realistically translate design intent, meeting raw material cost parameters and guidelines.
• Maintain a fabric resource library to support seasonal inspiration as well as archive Old Navy Brand production fabrications.
• Support manager in the coordination of biannual mill week.

2. Support team in delivering brand fabric cost savings.

• Gather initial raw material costing information.
• Compile seasonal presentation to design for key shared fabric opportunities to maximize brand savings.
• Ensure developments are in alignment and support Global Production and Supply Chain Strategies
• Ensure product integrity by troubleshooting testing exception reports.

ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS:

• Must be able to communicate effectively and persuasively with leaders cross-functionally. Must also build strong relationships with vendors and S&VD counterparts.
• Create teams and schedule opportunities for self-development.

Qualification

1) Knowledge, skills & abilities:

• Basic technical knowledge of fabrications.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to negotiate and build consensus across multiple functions.
• Working knowledge and understanding of Production.
• Proven ability to work closely and partner effectively with designers.
• Vendor relationships.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to regularly interface with and influence management.
• Understanding of trade regulations, testing protocol, product integrity requirements, product cycle timeline and fabric garment construction.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel preferred.

2) Minimum educational level:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred.

3) Minimum experience:

• None required.

4) Physical Requirements:

• Travel required only for learning and development opportunities.