Assistant Manager, Fabric Research and Development

Our Customer is an American worldwise clothing and accessories retailer, founded in 1969. Over the last 50 years, the company has grown from a single store to a global fashion business with seven brands. Their clothes are availabile in 90 countries worldwide through over 3,100 company-operated stores, almost 400 franchise stores, and e-commerce sites and is still growing.

We are seeking an Assistant Manager, Fabric Research and Development on a contract basis to support their business needs. This role is on-site in NYC.

In this role, you are accountable for supporting the ideation, development, implementation, and execution of the production and vendor capability strategy, delivering value through effectively balancing innovation, quality, and cost. You will be able to operate in a highly matrixed global organization, forming part of the cross-functional product team (Design, Merchandising, Tech Design, Quality Assurance, Sustainability, Fabric Research and Development, and Global Sourcing). You will be able to execute with strong attention to detail to ensure the product pipeline meets key milestones and product-to-market (P2M) demands.

Responsibilities:

• Understand product development implications on merchandising and design-driven product decisions based on category and vendor strategies.
• Drive communication between brand teams and Asia-based product teams to ensure strategic alignment and timely responsiveness.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure financial targets are achieved through cost management and execution.
• Provide flash garment costing, ensuring all costing components are accurately accounted for.
• Manage BOM maintenance within PLM systems to support product execution.
• Communicate with Asia-based teams to identify product execution issues and support timely resolution.
• Monitor P2M calendar milestones and escalate issues that may impact deadlines.
• Support seasonal strategies to minimize fabric liability before line adoption.
• Execute category product development strategies aligned with production strategies and divisional goals.
• Manage assigned product categories in collaboration with cross-functional teams and international sourcing partners.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience in global product development or supporting global product development initiatives.
• Strong understanding of merchandising, product design, vendor management, and category management.
• Strong costing experience, including garment costing and cost component analysis.
• Experience working with BOM management and PLM systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to proactively identify and mitigate risks.
• Ability to balance cost, supplier constraints, and production timelines.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and decision-making skills in matrixed environments.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present data clearly for decision-making.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced product development environments.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively with international teams and global sourcing partners.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with Asia-based sourcing or product teams.
• Strong cultural awareness and ability to collaborate across global teams.
• Demonstrated learning agility and openness to feedback.

We offer a competitive salary range for this position. Most candidates who join our team are hired at the median of this range, ensuring fair and equitable compensation based on experience and qualifications.

Contractor benefits are available through our 3rd Party Employer of Record (Available upon completion of waiting period for eligible engagements). Benefits include: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.