Associate Manager, Fabric R&D - Ann Taylor : Job Details

Ann Taylor embodies and celebrates the spirit, heritage, and confidence of American women leading the lives they love. Since its beginnings, Ann Taylor has been committed to providing women with everything they need to feel inspired and motivated as they navigate their multifaceted lives. Our effortlessly polished styles are thoughtfully designed to go anywhere—from the office to special occasions (and everywhere in between).

Discover a culture centered on empowering employees, with access to industry leaders and tools you need to expand your skills and stretch your abilities. We'll meet you at every milestone with opportunities and benefits to make life better in and outside of work (not to mention your closet). Ready to join us?

About the role

This position supports the design team in the research & development of woven fabrics. Candidates must be able to thrive in a fast paced environment.

The impact you can have

• Collaborates with design and merchant partners in the identification of Core, Key and Novelty fabrics
• Supports the development of fabrics and consistently contributes to the seasonal presentation of fabric direction to design and merchandising team
• Independent ownership of seasonal and ongoing fabric development including the day to day of meeting and communicating with design, fabric mills, global sourcing and overseas offices.
• Research and develop fabric qualities for increased costing opportunities for review with design that work within our aesthetic and cost parameters
• Maintain fabric development information for each season.
• Negotiate initial raw material cost using seasonal costing parameters as a guide
• Build and maintain seasonal binders for complete fabric records by classification.
• Manage receipt of seasonal references.
• Build a record of bulk fabrics from previous seasons.
• Consistent communication across all key cross functional partners on fabric development and related issues.
• Build and maintain fabric resource library.
• Organize and prepare the department seasonally
• Collaborate with Key Business Partners: Design team, Merchandising, Product Development, Production

You'll bring to the role

• Excellent technical knowledge of woven fabrics.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to partner cross functionally and effectively with design, global production and overseas offices
• Strong vendor relationships.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Ability to travel throughout the U.S. and Internationally as needed.
• 2-3 years in textile industry working with woven fabrics
• Bachelor's degree in textile science or equivalent experience

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: $65,000 - $72,000*

*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.