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OAK + FORT is brought together by a passionate group of people with a natural bond over an aesthetic vision that radiates throughout the collections. Fueled by the purpose to enhance and explore our own personal style—we authentically embody a place where individuality and uniqueness are celebrated. An ever-evolving point of view, joy in self-expression, and quality are central to our contemporary philosophy

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manager of Raw Material and Trim Development strategizes, oversees and develops relationships with global mills in order to seasonally develop new raw materials based on the trend analysis shared by the creative team, in addition to identifying which global mills are the correct partners to provide expertise that Oak + Fort’s raw material process is optimized and supported. This position also plays a strategic role in spearheading and implementing production strategies to support business growth and development. The Manager of Raw Material and Trim Development is responsible to ensure that the companies fabric and trims are best-in-class and trend right for our client demographic, along with being cost competitive to meet and exceed gross margin goals in cost engineering.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research & Development:

• Source and introduce mills to the Global Sourcing & Production team that can replicate current core fabric qualities as directed by the Head of Global Sourcing
• Obtain initial price quotes for each fabric/yarn/trim, in addition to clearly understanding MOQs and lead times
• Oversee the development of the core fabrics with the mills. Submit developed qualities to Sourcing and Creative Design for approval
• Align with Sourcing on the Hemisphere / Region of mills for fabric development
• Ongoing fabric, yarn and trim research with suppliers
• Meet with key garment suppliers as directed by sourcing to research their fabric direction
• Research fabric, yarn and trim direction through fabric shows, trend forecast services, runway review of designer collections
• Meet with Oak + Fort head of Creative to present future trend direction for fabric, sweater yarns and trim and alignment
• Attend fabric shows and trend presentations. This would include attending shows with anyone from the Oak + Fort team for guidance of trend forums and mill appointments
• Meet with mills to shop their line
• Shop stores to have ongoing market intelligence of existing fabric/yarn/trim direction
• Market research of fiber companies and fabric finishes
• Keep Oak + Fort team advised of new developments
• Research sustainable fabric options for Oak + Fort
• Present fabric/yarn/trim direction to Oak + Fort design, product development and sourcing. Including presenting inspirational samples
• Arrange fabric mill appointments for the Vancouver home office for design and sourcing to shop new collections and to discuss business opportunities

APPAREL CATEGORIES

• Dual gender ready-to-wear apparel categories, including but not limited to Woven Tops and Bottoms, Cut/Sewn knitwear, Outerwear, Swimwear, Loungewear and Activewear

REQUIREMENTS

• 7+ years in Raw Material Sourcing
• A global understanding regarding supply chain relationships, capabilities and associated skill sets of fabric mills
• Strong knowledge of fabrics along with a technical understanding of both woven and knit fabric and trims
• A strong and proven leader and performer
• Excellent analytical, verbal and written communication skills. Be clear, concise and direct
• Bachelor’s Degree (Clothing, Textiles, Design, International Business a plus)
• Proven experience in developing and maintaining long-term relationships and negotiating strategic agreements to ensure constant cost and quality improvements
• Understanding of branded specialty retail processes, calendar and protocols
• Work independently and be flexible in a fast-paced business environment
• Ability to problem solve and prioritize tasks in order of importance
• Well organized, self-starter, and multi-task oriented
• Ongoing, cultivated relationships with a global variety of fabric mills
• Strong negotiation experience is considered an asset
• Ability to travel Internationally if and when required

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