Job Details

Global Fabric R&D Manager, Amazon Private Brands, Global Materials

As Global Fabric R&D Manager, you support all worldwide fabric textile development and translate our brand design philosophies into clear, executable direction for vendors, suppliers, and other outside research institutes. This role will work closely with our product designers presenting inspired seasonal concept recommendations that ensure brand continuity, capture market trends, and align to business team briefs. You have an industry proven track record, and are comfortable executing the fabric development process from end-to-end – all while managing cost/value requirements. Please note, this is not a fabric sourcing role.

Key job responsibilities:

1. Drive and execute to Amazon Fashion's global fabric development initiatives.
2. Own the end-to-end fabric development process, inclusive of implementing sustainability initiatives and specifying custom engineering requirements if appropriate.
3. Work to proactively identify and resolve potential manufacturing and costing issues prior to development of print concepts to ensure quality execution in bulk.
4. Build a 3-5 year material research & development strategy to ensure Amazon Fashion Private brands is continuously innovating on behalf of customers.
5. Analyze fabric needs across the brand and make recommendations to Global Sourcing and Design for leveraging qualities across divisions.
6. Support end-to-end data management and digitization of the fabric development process.
7. Conduct market research and attend fabric shows as appropriate to gain perspective on innovation, trend and fabric refresh needs.
8. Drive fabric development process improvements and seek opportunities to positively affect the Design organization and company.
9. Manage product integrity by monitoring and refining laboratory testing requirements for core fabric library.
10. Leverage material and product exclusivity by partnering with legal experts to ensure that we have proper patent agreements in place.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's Degree in Textile Design, or Material Science.
2. 10+ years in textile industry working with softlines apparel fabrics.
3. Strong presentation skills.
4. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to regularly interface with and influence senior management.
5. Experience setting or collaborating on creative strategies.
6. Organize and prioritize multiple projects having a sense of urgency in managing time and accomplishing tasks.
7. Demonstrate proactive problem-solving skills, detail-oriented, with strong follow-through.
8. Deep understanding of raw material development and cost engineering.
9. Excellent technical knowledge of yarns, knits, wovens, and performance fabrications.
10. Innovator.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Possess a working knowledge of design and utility intellectual patents and trademarks.
2. MBA or MS (Masters in Materials Science).

Amazon is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please visit Amazon Disability Accommodations.