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Fabric R&D Manager
Application Deadline: 30 April 2025
Department: Design
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: London
Reporting To: Sarah Wilkinson
Description
Join us at Disturbia where we prioritise creativity and innovation in everything we are do. We're searching for an experienced R&D Fabric Manager to join our visionary Design and Production Team, leading the exploration and development of groundbreaking textiles that push the boundaries of fashion.
In this role, you'll collaborate with a team of designers, suppliers, and industry talent to craft fabrication which will captivate our customers. This is an opportunity to be at the heart of a brand with bold ambitions, where your ideas won't just be heard-they'll shape the future of our collections.
Sustainability is a significant focus for us, and we're looking for someone who shares our deep respect for the planet. If you're passionate about innovation, sustainability, and making your mark in an ever-evolving industry, we'd love to have you on this journey
Key Responsibilities
Lead the development and research of new and novelty fabrications to enhance product development and sustainability across all categories.
Create archive of fabrics for each collection/ season including print strike off bases, trims and hardware.
Collaborate with design, buying, compliance and technical design teams to ensure fabric quality meets production specifications.
Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies in fabric/ treatment and easy care developments.
Visit fabric sourcing fairs, with heads of buying/ design to develop strong relationships directly with fabric/ trim suppliers.
Manage relationships with fabric suppliers and negotiate contracts to secure flexibility in production pathways. Create strategy for greige fabrics allowing agility within our supply base.
Negotiate pricing for proto development and order sample yardage for novelty fabrications.
Manage seasonal fabric, trim, library per product category, collection, and create the process for reviewing new swatches with design and buying teams.
GPSR - Expertise with General Product Safety Regulations. Ensuring fabrics meet safety requirements, are free from harmful chemicals, linking with REACH Chemical compliance.
Partnering with mills / fabric suppliers which are Okeo-Tex Standard 100 certified.
Testing fabrics in line with the regulations and requirements for textile testing, Partnering closely with the technical team.
Building transparent relationships with fabric mills to provide visibility (Tier 2) traceability of the sourcing chain and fabric origins.
Partner with the Head of Technical Design and technical team to ensure best practice sourcing for fabrics and trims.
Provide technical information for garment care labels and product descriptions.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering, Fashion Design, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in fabric research and development within the apparel industry.
Strong understanding of textile science and innovative fabric technologies.
Excellent project management skills, communication and ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced team environment.
Creative problem-solving skills, entrepreneurial spirit and a keen eye for detail and quality.
Benefits
25 days annual leave, increasing with length of service
Company bonus earning potential
Flexible working patterns and hybrid working patterns
Private Health Insurance
Cycle to work scheme
Up to 50% company discount
Discounts with a variety of high street retailers
Twice yearly company socials and once quarterly team socials + regular treats throughout the year
Birthday and long service treats
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