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Director - Raw Materials
Chico's FAS, Inc.
Fort Myers, FL, United States
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Fabric
Fort Myers, FL
Position Objective
This position is primarily responsible for serving as the strategic leader behind the raw material sourcing department; guiding the research, development, and sourcing of raw materials that are trend, customer and brand right, while working within lead-time parameters and maintaining pricing structure. Directs efforts to support FAS strategy of leveraging the combined purchasing power and developing relationships with material suppliers who can meet multiple objections of: right fashion/innovation, price/value, quality/color, and delivery speed/reliability.
Functional Responsibilities
• Directs the research and development of new materials ensuring raw materials are in accordance with brand aesthetic, lead-time and cost strategy.
• Directs all raw materials sourcing strategies.
• Directs the cost reduction initiatives to meet corporate goals and drive process improvements. Identifies and implements strategies for streamlined workload in partnership with Sourcing, Suppliers and overseas offices.
• Directs and drives the research for seasonal fashion raw material trends to cross functional teams. Interprets design concepts to provide commercially viable raw materials. Defines, drives, and executes a seasonal raw materials strategy. Keeps Chico's FAS on the cutting edge of raw materials and innovation.
• Ensure raw materials developed are commercial and pass FAS requirements. Ensure cross functional partners are fully supported regarding technical textile testing and problem solving.
• Directs reporting necessary to support the Brands.
• Leads the development of core raw materials on a seasonal basis. Attends key Brand meetings as needed to drive raw material strategies and represent team.
• Partners with Design and Merchandising teams and suppliers on raw materials research and development related issues. Partners with cross functional teams (CFTs) to support on-time delivery of first quality goods that meet margin requirements.
• Establishes & maintains relationships with raw material suppliers for immediate need resolution and future development opportunities.
• Leads on-boarding efforts with new vendors.
• Leads and directs team activities that ensure functional KPI's are achieved.
• Values individuality and the diverse talents of their team. Leads the team by communicating expectations, providing guidance, delivering feedback, and empowering the team to be their best.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor of Fine Arts degree required; preferably in Fashion Design or related field
• 10+ years' experience in managing raw materials research and development within the apparel industry; inclusive of 3+ years managing a large department of teams
• In depth technical knowledge in relation to full raw material supply chain and process inclusive of yarn, knitting/weaving, dyeing/finishing, wet and dry processing, prints/patterns and capabilities
• Ability to drive processes with cross functional team members
• Exceptional raw material and trend forecasting ability
• Extensive raw material negotiation skills
• Detail oriented with excellent communication, organizational, and problem solving skills.
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft office suite; emphasis in Excel and web based applications
• Advanced Adobe skills
• Superior management skills, including the ability to provide leadership and motivation
• Entrepreneurial spirit and passion for apparel business
• Ability to travel