Manage the execution of the GTM Calendar development activities specific to fabric/finish development.
Have an in depth knowledge of GTM calendar and take a proactive approach to all deadlines
Coordinate efforts between Design, Mills and Laundries to ensure deadlines are met
Lead the fabric/finish approval process through proto
Communicate daily with fellow team members on development issues, recommended actions, and status of resolution
Ensures LS&CO systems and product Logs are updated to reflect the most current product attribute records
Manages all finish testing and ensures all approval on time
Highlight risks (e.g. Red/Yellow/Green issues) ongoing and at key milestones with actions to resolve (i.e. lab tests, wide shade bands)
COSTING: Ensures Fabric/Finish is within cost parameters while meeting Design’s aesthetics requirements.
Partner with Source Base, PD&S lead & Development Merchandiser to ensure costing targets are achievable
Builds effective rapport with Mills, Laundries and MO and understands their capabilities along with costs
DEVELOPMENT: Manage the execution of all Fabric/Finish developments, ensuring they fit into the seasonal sourcing strategy, mill strategy and passes LS& Co standards.
Initiates all new finishes from mill week and submits proper testing to meet standards. Advises team of any risk/opportunities of fabric/finish
During development – ensure to run AW testing.
Runs shade band variances during development for high risk items. Escalates issues to Design/PD&S team if there is a wide variance.
Ensures Branch offices submit cross-sourcing to you for approval to ensure consistency. Send target to other Branch offices once cross source is identified.
Partner with PD&S to have a clear understanding of the seasonal objectives/strategies for sourcing, mills and costing
Advise Design of relative cost impacts (H, M, L) to ensure a smooth briefing & development process (e.g. “Based on what I know about the target, I don’t think you can afford this fabric/finish. Here are some alternatives…”)
Ensures Finish Grids are updated with accurate information and ensures PD&
S Merchandisers and MO/Branches are updated
Builds effective rapport with Mills, Laundries and MO and understands their capabilities, capacity and lead-times
Is keenly aware of the desired garment aesthetics and how to achieve them
Leverages expertise from other areas (Production specialists, Regional Tech Sve Mgr, MO, QA, Finish researcher) to fulfill requirements
BULK PRODUCTION: Manage development of fabric/finish combinations that are reproducible in bulk production environments
Applies knowledge of Source Base and capabilities during development
Makes recommendations for alternative sourcing options to ensure desired aesthetic is met
Partners with Regional Tech Service Manager to ensure clear communication to Prod Techs on appropriate standards, supporting the product attributes from development
Partner with branch staff on cross sourcing and provides support when needed.
Partner with quality, exec merch, and production technician to identify causes of quality issues and provides recommendation to solve issues.
Travel Required (%): 10%
Education:
A higher diploma or above in textile-related discipline
Experience:
Qualified candidates will have preferably 8 years of experience in apparel in fabric/finish development.
Language:
English and Local Language
Location:
North of Vietnam, e.g.: Phu Tho / Viet Tri / Cam Khe
Functional Competencies:
Essential skills of ability to identify risks and problem solve issues in both development and production
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to collaborate and resolve issues with internal and external team/suppliers
Must have experience in formulations, wet & dry processes, chemicals and their application in finish formulation to achieve acceptable garment results that meet Brands requirements
Must have knowledge of finishing SOP requirements in laundry environment
Must have understanding of formulas and target cost
Must have ability to transfer developmental formulation to production environment
