Director, Raw Material, Development & Global Sourcing

Position Title: Director, Raw Material, Development & Global Sourcing

Reporting to Title: Chief Officer, Product Development & Production Sourcing

Summary:

The Director, Raw Materials, Development & Global Sourcing leads the end-to-end raw materials strategy from initial concept and development through bulk production across all Alexander Wang product categories.

This role is accountable for ensuring that all fabrics, leathers, trims, and special material applications align with the aesthetic, quality, sustainability, cost, and margin objectives of the brand, while supporting global growth and speed-to-market initiatives. The Sr. Director will build and manage high-performing global supplier partnerships, oversee a raw materials organization, and serve as a key cross-functional leader connecting Design, Merchandising, Development, Production, and Supply Planning.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Strategy & End-to-End Ownership

• Define and execute the global raw materials sourcing and development strategy across all categories, owning materials from design development through SMS, bulk, and production handoff.
• Ensure materials are engineered for end use, aesthetic intent, quality standards, cost targets, and margin requirements.
• Drive category-agnostic processes and best practices that scale across RTW, Cut & Sew, Leather, and commercial product lines.
• Identify process, development, and supply chain optimization opportunities and lead implementation across all categories.

Development & Production Execution

• Lead pre-seasonal, design-facing development while ensuring seamless transition into mill-facing SMS and bulk execution.
• Own fabric, leather, and material line plans, ex-mill tracking tools, and development focus strategies.
• Oversee all testing protocols, ensuring compliance with global standards and end-use performance.
• Partner with vendors to develop sustainable and innovative materials aligned with brand DNA.
• Manage special techniques including washes, dyes, finishes, and treatments across all SMS and bulk materials.
• Ensure on-time coordination of all material shipments from development through production.
• Oversee timely payment and shipment of all bulk orders supporting SMS prior to production release.

Vendor & Supply Chain Leadership

• Build and maintain a best-in-class global supplier base, including mills, tanneries, and vertical partners.
• Negotiate vendor lead times and capacity; partner with Production on key factory dates and execution timelines.
• Calibrate vertical vendors and mills to Alexander Wang design, quality, and execution standards.
• Explore opportunities to verticalize the supply base in country of origin to support commercial growth and efficiency.
• Partner with Supply Planning to platform and stage core materials, supporting speed, agility, and repeat programs.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Lead cross-functional alignment with Design, Merchandising, Development, Production, and Supply Planning on all raw material strategies.
• Initiate all buying requirements in partnership with Merchandising for seasonal and core programs.
• Act as a senior decision-maker on seasonal fabric direction, quality escalations, and material overrides.

People Leadership & Organization

• Lead, coach, and inspire the global Raw Materials team, ensuring clarity of roles, accountability, and career development.
• Set annual team goals and objectives aligned with global strategies, driving productivity, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Manage and develop direct reports, including Coordinators, and foster strong collaboration across functional silos.
• Own and manage the annual Raw Materials travel budget.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Fashion, Textile, or Production
• 7–10 years of experience in Raw Materials Development with expert knowledge of luxury and commercial knits, wovens, and leathers
• Strong knowledge of washes, dyes, material properties, and finishes
• Minimum 5 years of people management experience
• Proven leadership in end-to-end raw materials project management
• Strong cross-functional communication and strategic partnership skills
• Ability to partner with internal stakeholders including Creative Director, Development & Production leads, Design, Merchandising, and Overseas Sourcing
• Ability to manage and lead multiple team members
• Demonstrated ability to influence internal and external partners through change
• Office-based; 10–20% travel to overseas offices, mills, and factories

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer M/D/F/V

In compliance with the New York City salary transparency requirements, the potential salary for this position is from $165,000 to $175,000, which represents a range commensurate with experience, knowledge, and skills required.