Senior Manager - Technical Fabrics

Position Title: Technical Manager Fabrics

Location: India, Vietnam, Indonesia

Role Purpose:

• To Oversee, monitor, and lead the Fabrics developments in India, Vietnam, and Indonesia and other countries and require by business.
• To Oversee and monitor the lab dips, pilot lot developments and successfully convert the lab dips & pilot orders to bulk orders.
• Faster sample development to enable quick conversion of new potential/enquiries.
• To monitor the first bulk order and hand over the product and process specs to Quality and Manufacturing team.
• To ensure the new products tested and certified in NABL accredited lab.
• To support/guide the Manufacturing, Quality and Supply Chain team to meet the bulk production in line with delivery and quality commitment at manufacturing points with end-to-end responsibility.
• To keep track of availability of Raw Materials in coordination with Supply chain.
• To amend, maintain and release the product specifications and process parameters from time to time.
• Benchmark and enhance the quality and reliability of Fabric products equivalent to competition

Principal Accountabilities and Key Activities:

Fabric Development:

• Lead and oversee the development of new fabric technologies, designs, and innovations across global markets.
• Ensure that the company stays ahead of trends and maintains technical expertise in fabric properties, functionalities,
• and performance.
• Collaborate with R&D teams, designers, and production units to deliver new fabric solutions that meet customer needs
• and market demands.
• Ensure the development activities through Zenith portal and update the status to all stake holders
• Ensure the Master reference, developmental samples and all pre-bulk samples and customer approval samples are
• preserved and retrieved on need.

Supply Chain Engagement:

• Follow up with Supply chain on end-to-end process pipeline for pilot lot developments
• Ensure the RM, Dyes and Chemicals are procured as per CMRSL compliance.

Quality Control and Compliance:

• Oversee fabric quality control standards globally, ensuring products meet both regulatory requirements and interna standards.
• Ensure fabrics comply with environmental, sustainability, and social compliance standards across different countries.
• Develop and implement quality assurance processes and strategies for fabric production
• Conduct audit on monthly basis in all manufacturing locations and report findings to improve overall Quality parameters
• Ensure SOP for testing and Process specs is defined, documented and implemented in all manufacturing operations
• Ensure the quality consistency and reliability of fabric products.
• Follow up with PP QA team for test results from inhouse and external lab and providing timely feedback to concern stakeholders for pilot lots.

Control financial performance of Performance Materials Department:

• Manage continuous improvement initiatives cross functionally aimed at maximising the potential for saving cost within the business whilst ensuring that Coats “best practice” is in place ·
• Manage the development and implementation of SOP's and controls covering all areas of technical activity so that all relevant procedural / legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost effective service to customers

Control health and safety related issues comply with Local and global requirements:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, health, quality and environmental management policies, SOPs and controls across the technical function to guarantee employee safety, legislative compliance, delivery of high-quality products / services and a responsible environmental attitude
• Promote sustainable practices within fabric development and aligning with the company’s sustainability goals.
• Implement and support initiatives to reduce waste, water consumption, and energy usage in fabric production.
• Explore eco-friendly materials, processes, and innovations for sustainable fabric solutions.

Leadership and Collaboration:

• Lead and manage a team of technical experts across various global locations.
• Foster a collaborative environment, ensuring communication and knowledge-sharing across teams.
• Drive the team to meet project timelines, budgets, and company objectives.

Market and Trend Analysis:

• Continuously monitor industry trends, competitor products, and consumer preferences.
• Provide insight and recommendations for future fabric development based on market analysis and customer feedback.
• Adapt the fabric development process to cater to emerging market needs and trends.

Project Management:

• Manage the end-to-end project lifecycle for fabric development, from concept through to production and commercialization.
• Ensure cross-functional coordination and communication to meet deadlines, budgets, and quality expectations.
• Oversee product testing, prototyping, and validation processes.

Client and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Work closely with key stakeholders, including product development teams, external clients, and suppliers, to align fabric solutions.
• Provide technical support and expertise to clients, offering guidance on fabric choices and applications.

Key Relationships:

Internal:

Asst Manager Product Development – Ambas

Collaborative liaisons:

• Technical Manager – S&T Madurai
• Quality Assurance Manager D&F Ambas
• Wet Process Lab Manager – D&F Ambas
• Business Development Manager Fabrics – Vietnam
• PP Segment Manager - India

External:

• All weaving, dyeing and finishing vendors
• 3rd Party Testing Laboratory
• Certifying agencies
• Fibre suppliers
• Dyestuff and Chemical suppliers

Education, Qualifications and Experience:

Knowledge and understanding of:

• Technicalities and Process know how in Fabric developments and Bulk production from spinning to fabric finishing
• Knowledge on ISO testing methods for physical and fastness
• Knowledge on Functional testing like NFPA 2112 and 11612
• Knowledge of Fabric inspection and parameters
• Knowledge on Technical fibres like Aramids, Modacrylic, Viscose, Cotton, Nylon, Anti-Static, and their behaviour from yarn spinning, weaving, dyeing and finishing
• Knowledge on different type of dyes and chemicals
• People management skills
• Innovation mind-set: keen attention for details with out-of-box approach

Experience:

• Preferred Textile Post Graduate or Graduate
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in Technical Textile fabric spinning, weaving, processing and finishing
• Larger team management experience
• Experience of implementing and executing sample as well as bulk orders
• Multi skilling within a large operation

Skills & Ability:

• Time management skills
• High level of attention to details
• Good analytical skills
• Ability to lead and influence teams and individuals
• High level of communication skills
• Presentation skills
• High energy, self-driven, achievement orientation
• Willingness for need-based travel to partner’s site, external testing agencies, customers, etc.
• Extensive travelling involved.

At Coats Group, we are committed to innovation, excellence, and fostering a diverse and collaborative environment where every team member can thrive. If you are passionate about making an impact in the textile industry and eager to join a global leader with a rich heritage and a forward-thinking approach, we invite you to take the next step in your career with us.