Fabric and Color Manager

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Meijer Rewards

• Weekly pay
• Scheduling flexibility
• Paid parental leave
• Paid education assistance
• Team member discount
• Development programs for advancement and career growth

Please review the job profile below and apply today!

The Fabric & Color Manager drives raw material and color research, development, and innovation, collaborating closely with Product Development & Design, and Global Sourcing teams. This role anticipates business needs across all brands, aligning seasonal and long-term development strategies to ensure a cohesive and efficient approach. By leveraging fabric, trim, and color standards across divisions, the Fabric & Color Manager optimizes Meijer's own-brand materials strategy-balancing market relevance, speed to market, and financial objectives to deliver high-quality, trend-right products.

Position will follow a hybrid schedule: Monday-Wednesday in office, Thursday-Friday remote.

What You'll be Doing:

• Material Strategy & Development: Lead material selection, consolidation, and efficiency initiatives to optimize cost, quality, and speed. Guide Product Development & Design and Sourcing teams on improving material efficiencies and driving continuous process improvements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the key liaison for fabric and color decisions, working closely with PD & Design, Global Sourcing, Quality Assurance and Buying teams to align material strategies with business objectives and financial targets.
• Market & Trend Research: Oversee market research, competitive analysis, and trend forecasting to proactively develop future fabric and color needs for all Own Brand divisions in collaboration with Global Sourcing and Design.
• Process & Calendar Management: Maintain fabric development charts, raw material updates, and seasonal color palettes in PLM. Track development calendars to anticipate challenges and drive timely solutions.
• Material & Color Execution: Manage fabric libraries, oversee seasonal fabrications for key meetings, and communicate color standards. Review and sign off on lap dips, ensuring seamless Sourcing communication regarding color needs, changes, and opportunities.
• Sourcing & Innovation: Assist the Director of Product Development & Design with sourcing initiatives, fabric research, and special projects related to textiles, yarns, and fiber technologies.
• Industry Expertise & Travel: Maintain expertise in color communication, lighting conditions, and industry terminology. Travel domestically as needed to align seasonal research with brand vision.
• Additional Responsibilities: Support other duties as assigned to contribute to the success of the PD & Design team.

What You Bring with You (Qualifications):

• Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design.
• 10+ years in the fashion industry with expertise in fabric, trim, and color development, including graphic art/prints, raw materials, wash techniques, and production-specializing in knit fabrics while proficient in both knits and wovens.
• Deep knowledge of fabric construction, production, printing, dyeing, washing techniques, and testing.
• Strong understanding of merchandising, product development, and garment construction.
• Ability to assess mill capabilities and direct development to the most suitable resources.
• Strong design aesthetic with an eye for detail.
• Excellent organizational, communication, follow-up, and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong sense of urgency, accuracy, and problem-solving with a creative approach.
• Effective cross-functional collaboration with Design, Quality Assurance, Buying, Sourcing, and overseas teams.
• Proficiency in PLM and Microsoft Office.
• Willingness to travel as needed