Fabric Research and Development Associate(NYC)

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 Fabric R&D Associate 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 to meet product-to-market (P2M) demands.

Responsibilities:

• Understand product development implications on merchandising and design-driven product decisions based on category or vendor strategies.
• Drive communication between brand teams and Asia-based product teams to ensure strategic business alignment and responsiveness.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure financial targets are met through cost guidance execution.
• Provide flash garment costing while accurately accounting for all costing components.
• Manage BOM maintenance within the PLM system to support product execution.
• Communicate with Asia-based teams to resolve product execution issues in a timely manner.
• Monitor P2M calendar milestones and escalate issues impacting deadlines.
• Support seasonal strategies to minimize exposure to fabric purchasing prior to line adoption and manage liabilities as needed.
• Execute category product development strategies aligned with production strategies and divisional goals.
• Manage specific product categories in partnership with cross-functional teams and international sourcing partners.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience in global product development or exposure to global product development processes.
• Experience working with design, merchandising, vendor management, and category management.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to proactively manage multiple challenges.
• Ability to anticipate and mitigate P2M risks while balancing cost, supplier, and timeline constraints.
• Proven ability to collaborate and influence cross-functional teams within a matrixed environment.
• Strong cultural awareness and ability to work effectively in fast-paced global environments.
• Strong learning agility with openness to feedback and continuous skill development.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present data clearly to support decision-making.
• Experience coordinating with international sourcing partners.
• Experience using PLM systems and managing BOM maintenance.

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 (Availble 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.