Assistant Manager, Fabric R&D - Premium Brands Services, LLC

About us

KnitWell Group, a specialty retail operating company, comprises some of the most iconic brands in America – Ann Taylor, Chico's, Haven Well Within, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Soma, Talbots, White House Black Market. Individually, our brands are unique and strong. Together, we are powerful.

 

Our common thread is our commitment to create exceptional products, provide memorable experiences, and achieve superior results. Our associates are innovators who thrive through collaboration and are dedicated to excellence. At the heart of it all are the customers we serve. We are dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but also makes our customers feel good.

 

LOFT creates modern, feminine, versatile clothing for women with one common style goal: to look and feel confident wherever the day takes them. We empower women to find their authentic self-expression because feeling like yourself is always in style. Here at LOFT, we're busy styling the careers and supporting the lives of everyday optimists just like you. Express your authentic self and experience endless inspiration, all while enjoying the opportunities and benefits that help you get the most from your career, life, and wardrobe. 

About the role
 

This position supports the seasonal development of fabric in alignment with sourcing, cost and lead time strategy. Implement LOFT standards, through design vision and product integrity while adhering to the Product Life Cycle (PLC). Champions the company’s Values & Practices by maintaining effective collaborative relationships, taking pride in the company and brand, and embracing diversity. Candidate must possess technical knowledge of raw materials, have strong attention to detail and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

The impact you can have
 

• Review all seasonal fabric developments with Senior Manager/Manager to ensure proper allocation and development of fabrics to meet design vision, merchandising requirements and corporate goals
• Support strategy provided by Manager for cost, lead-time, quality and allocation
• Responsible for inputting costing and data for seasonal hindsights and reports
• Maintain and update fabric library and build fabric archives
• Follows PLC dates provided by Manager; meets all deadlines and deliverables
• Build and maintain seasonal binders for complete fabric records by classification/department
• Facilitate fabric standard setting for all fabrics (wovens & knits) with support of Manager
• Communicate effectively and consistently across all key cross functional partners on fabric development and related issues internal and external
• Support innovation;  Attend fabric shows and mill appointments; research and present fabric trends to CFT
• Build seasonal concept packages for respective categories with the support of Manager
• Work with Manager to troubleshoot and resolve development and bulk issues quickly
• Be an expert for your categories and be fully prepared for all meetings
• Proactively track sample yardage ready dates and report statuses regularly to Manager
• Collect all copyright documentation and communication with overseas

You’ll bring to the role

• Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent experience

• 1-2 years experience in textile industry, with fabric development knowledge
• Possess technical knowledge of fabric construction and types
• Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, attention to detail and follow-up skills
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to partner cross functionally and effectively with design, merchandising, sourcing and overseas offices
• Ability to handle multiple tasks with shifting priorities
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications

Benefits at KnitWell Group

• Merchandise discount at our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Ann Taylor, LOFT, & Lane Bryant (in store and online) 
• Support for your individual development plus career mobility within our family of brands   
• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities*  
• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K) retirement* 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Time off – paid time off & holidays*
• The target salary range for this role is: $55,000 - $62,000*

*Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role. 
 

This position works in a hybrid model, with three days per week worked in the New York, NY location and two days per week worked remotely. 

#LI-CS1

 

Location:

Times Square Tower-ANN-New York, NY 10036

Position Type:

Regular/Full time

 

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is committed to hiring and developing the most qualified people at all levels. It is our policy in all personnel actions to ensure that all associates and potential associates are evaluated on the basis of qualifications and ability without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability that can reasonably be accommodated without undue hardship, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected classification under federal, state, or local law. We do not discriminate in any of our employment policies and practices. All associates are expected to follow these principles in all relationships with other associates, applicants, or others with whom we do business.