Carhartt is looking to drive innovation and commercialization in fiber and fabric development for US Manufacturing through the Crafted Series, ensuring all raw material developments meet quality, cost, and sustainability targets.
Requirements
- Expertise in fabric, trim and color development includes sustainable and eco-friendly practices/technologies.
- Strong knowledge of textile and material testing protocols (AATCC, ASTM, and global norms); EPA and BPR requirements for applicable chemistries; and AFIRM RSL guidelines.
- Proven experience collaborating with procurement teams and managing vendor relationships for US-based production.
- Proficient in PLM, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator, etc.
- Strong strategic and analytical skills and aptitude.
- Strong knowledge of US apparel or textile manufacturing.
- Minimum seven years of experience in raw material development
Responsibilities
- Spearhead new seasonal and developments: Setting standards for US manufacturing platforms. Analyze requirements and historical standards to ensure all fabrics meet quality and cost targets and are ready for bulk production handoff to Quality teams.
- Establish Wash Standards: Develop and implement production wash standards for denim and washed products, focusing on chemistry, garment finishing, and testing protocols that align with US manufacturing practices.
- Innovation Pipeline: Research and integrate new fiber, yarn, chemistry, and machinery technologies. Build a wash library to support seasonal business needs and incorporate sustainability initiatives relevant to US operations.
- Testing & Troubleshooting: Analyze raw material test results promptly. Partner with suppliers and procurement teams to troubleshoot and resolve development failures, ensuring compliance with US standards (AATCC, ASTM, EPA, AFIRM RSL).
- Supplier & Procurement Collaboration: Partner with procurement teams to select vendors based on capability, technology and US manufacturing requirements. Address issues related to manufacturing locations, pricing, minimum order quantities, delivery, and lead times.
- Cross-Functional Communication: Participate in product development meetings to share updates, resolve issues, and ensure alignment with design and merchandising teams. Provide solutions and recommendations for issue resolution with guidance from management.
- Relationship Building: Develop and maintain strong relationships with supply chain, US Manufacturing facilities, Procurement Teams, Quality, design, technical design, and color management.
Other
- Bachelor’s degree in Textiles or related field; or equivalent years of related experience in lieu of degree.
- Up to 15% of travel domestically and/or internationally
- Normal office environment, extended periods of sitting/standing or typing at a computer is required
- Willing to work some weekends if necessary.
- Light lifting may be required, 25LBS.
