Head of Fabric Development and Sourcing

An exciting opportunity has come up to join a global retail in its Shanghai sourcing operation, as a head of fabric development and sourcing.
This is a brand new position for the business and is an integral part of future development of fabrics; looking at trends and initial development of new fabrics.

The role will see you identifying key fabric trends for the season, specifying yarns and finishes across all apparel categories. Targeting and working with mills primarily across China to develop fabrics and driving newness of materials.
You will be collaborating with laundries, to develop new washes in line with new trends. Attending fabric trade shows and fairs internationally will play a key part to this role, as well managing the critical path and liaising with fabric and design teams globally.

To be successful in this role you will have strong fabric development and trend experience, with the ability to guide designers on correct and upcoming fabrics for garments. You will also have a good fabric technical understanding to ensure the correct standards are adhered to for the retailer and be able to advise on any suitable adaptations. Having a good network of fabric mills will also play a part in success of this role, as well as having a textile design degree.

This is an exciting time to join a business going through significant growth within the fashion and retail industry. In return there is a competitive expat package on offer, to include accommodation and flights home, as well bonus potential.
The business are key advocates on development of its staff, and there is a chance this position will result in you growing a new team around you.