Raw Materials Specialist, Fabric

As a Raw Materials Specialist at Ralph Lauren, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth transition from product development to bulk production. Your responsibilities will include: - Working closely with the product development team to ensure a seamless transition from development to bulk production. - Assessing and mitigating risks at the fabric level, proposing solutions to ensure adherence to the production calendar. - Supporting the merchandising team and garment vendors on fabric-related issues to ensure on-time delivery and quality. - Ensuring timely and professional production of textiles to achieve high-quality products and on-time delivery. - Resolving production and quality issues, acting as a facilitator and mediator between stakeholders. - Reviewing and assessing fabric quality, shade, and mill performance, identifying areas for improvement. - Traveling to textile mills and fairs as required to stay updated on industry trends. - Assessing mill performance and guiding improvements where necessary. - Coaching and developing the team, troubleshooting issues, and escalating when appropriate. - Managing business relationships with cross-functional teams to optimize costs and speed. Qualifications required for this role include: - Degree or diploma in Textile, Fashion Design, or related field preferred. - 8-10 years of experience in a buying office or global sourcing company managing wovens and knits. - Experience in garment manufacturing or raw material manufacturing for branded apparel. - Comprehensive knowledge of the end-to-end merchandising process and textile industry. - Experience in staff or mill training, particularly in quality/color approval, is a plus. - Passionate interest in fabric, visionary, proactive, communicative, and multi-tasking. - High adaptability to changing business requirements and cross-functional team environments. - Proficiency in MS Office, with knowledge of PLM as an advantage. - Fluency in both spoken and written English. Ralph Lauren Corporation is a global leader in premium lifestyle products, with a commitment to creating a culture of belonging and inclusion. Join us in our mission to inspire communities and drive excellence in the fashion industry.,