SR. APPAREL MATERIALS DEVELOPER - Boston, United States

https://jobs.newbalance.com/job/boston/sr-apparel-materials-developer/810/204644

Overview

New Balance has a history of 100 years of enduring performance and is still running strong today. Part of what makes New Balance so unique is our commitment to making products that not only provide performance, but also superior fit and comfort. The same attention that is placed on our athletic shoes and apparel is also placed on our associates. New Balance thrives because of the passion and dedication of the people we hire. We rely on our associates to match our enthusiasm for the business and to help drive consumers to move further, faster and more frequently. We seek associates who are always on the move. Associates who push themselves forward and are motivated to move New Balance forward. Ask yourself: Are you ready to move the world?

Responsibilities

Develops partnership with designers, fabric suppliers, and development team to improve operational performance on all NB products related raw material purchases. Brings a track record in innovative and/or advanced concept material development.  Establishes control-related standards procedures, including AA system data integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct seasonal fabric sourcing and development and build core materials library serving Global Apparel Team

• Develop strategic partnerships with key innovators within the materials industry to deliver material concepts.

• Collaborates with Design, Technical Design, Planning and Production teams; Responsible for advising on sourcing strategy to ensure mills selected and raw materials selected were fit for purpose – technically and aesthetically appropriate for the business and that the supplier was capable of managing production and lead-time requirements

•  Build relationships with material vendors and internal stakeholders to achieve the material and trim strategic sourcing initiatives focused on quality, testing, RSL, innovation, reliability, and price/value specifications

• Assist Product Development to initiate, update and maintain specifications that detail the required material performance, specs, and labeling for all materials.

• Communicate material specifications, results and concerns to RD&D, Suppliers, and QA Teams in a timely manner. 

• Travel both domestically and internationally to source materials, work with Suppliers, provide education or solve problems.

• Initiate technical trials, evaluate and approve ASTM, AATCC and test results

• Keeps current on new and upcoming trends in materials and fabrics.  Attends trade shows, shop the market and maintain relationships with key material vendors.  Travel working with suppliers and vendors required, will be both domestic and international.

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Qualifications

• BA or BS degree in Apparel, Textiles, Materials Manufacturing, Design (Apparel) or related field and a minimum of 7 years relevant and progressive experience.
• Expertise in the field of fabric research, development, global sourcing and commercialization of technical knits, wovens, print, dye, wash and finish.  Extensive knowledge of infrastructure and processes required to support a global manufacturer in the areas of material development and testing, technical evaluation, product development calendar, electronic data base applications, supplier relationships, cross-functional relationships, raw material cost negotiation, capacity and production planning. 
• Strong textile apparel materials experience with familiarity and understanding of all phases of product creation and execution including textile lab work.
• Strong understanding of apparel merchandising and materials management.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and inspire a broad range of individuals to work toward a common goal.
• Excellent time management and well organized. Ability to work under pressure and tight deadline.
• Ability to travel both domestically and internationally.
• Demonstrate good leadership and interpersonal skills.

We believe our associates are meant to grow through the development of their talents and to capitalize on opportunities to share their passion for the business. New Balance rewards associates with generous, industry-leading benefit and development opportunities, which support our associates' health, wealth and overall well-being. In addition to a comprehensive medical and vacation benefit package, we offer: Development Programs, Discounted Health Club Membership, Fitness Reimbursement, Employee Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement, Corporate Gift Matching and 5 % Matching 401 K Program.

New Balance provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.