Senior Manager-Material Planning

Key Objectives:

Responsible for Material Development, technology, toolbox management, material availability and risk management for branch operation.

Material development of branch:

• Research material trends and present market relevant fabric or trims concepts to Design and Product Development teams at start of season ensuring cohesive material stories across apparel Initiate and monitor all material developments for all Bus in scope of India Branch
• Act as the source for industry leading material concepts and future ideas
• Maintain contact with T1 and T2 suppliers related to fabrics and trims for constant R&D of new fabrics and trims, including price negotiations Ensure innovation flow from T1 and T2 suppliers related to fabrics and trims to Design, Development, Business Management or Product Line Marketing 
• Maintain or update fabrics and trims data in internal data systems including TSA and PRM

Material technology:

• Ensure that all selected fabrics and trims are tested and approved.
• Ensure RSL policies are being adhered to for the region.
• Act as communication bridge for all internal and external interfaces regarding all material related questions such as fabric or trim booking, delivery status, lap dips, lead times, testing, quality issues during sampling and production

Material toolbox management:

• Select, develop and implement materials which provide commercial success including target price and support multiple creation processes and timelines in parallel to gain speed to market Set up and maintain material and trim toolboxes as required by the Global Material Team for Inline business and as required by the Rapid Response Buying Team for fast response.
• Actively promote opportunities for increasing material commonality to create synergies across BUs

Material availability:

• Translate the design vision into a fabric development and sources materials according to the sourcing policy and quality standards Maintain transparency with regards to leftovers through tracking
• Pro-actively look for available or existing stock for rapid response to trends or needs from own Retail

Risk management of material:

• Advise Branch Operations Management and Product Development about any delivery problems or minimum issues
• Execute and follow-up fabric and trim commitments in close accordance with Product Development including pre-booking and nomination

Eligibility Criteria and Educational Background:

• University degree with emphasis on clothing/material technology and/or manufacturing; textile engineering or textile commercial background
• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive work experience in the garment or textile industry
• Fluent in local languages & Good English
• Excellent material, construction and good trims knowledge
• In-depth understanding of the material supply chain
• Strong numerical and analytical skills
• Passionate about product, with in depth understanding of products in the lifestyle/Fast Fashion and performance environment
• Pro-active mindset and willingness to take risks on decisions
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to build strong working relationships with Fabric developers and Mills