Raw Materials Associate

Overview

The Raw Materials Associate supports the full lifecycle of fabrics and trims across Retrofête and Seroya, ensuring materials are developed, tracked, approved, and delivered on schedule. This role bridges creative and technical functions, maintaining precision and clear communication across teams and suppliers. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, resourceful, and thrives in a fast-paced fashion environment.

This role is execution-focused, with ownership over tracking, communication, and data accuracy across the material lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Material Development & Tracking
• Attend new style review meetings to identify raw material needs for upcoming product lines.
• Issue and track purchase orders for fabrics and trims, ensuring timely delivery in line with development calendars.
• Manage bulk material tracking and approvals, maintaining accurate submission, approval, and delivery records.
• Maintain all material documentation across shared drives and trackers.
• Support costing accuracy by updating material prices, MOQs, and lead times in shared trackers.
• Monitor timelines and communicate status updates, risks, and next steps to relevant teams.
• Partner with Design and Tech Design to confirm materials meet aesthetic, fit, and performance standards.
• Library Management
• Maintain the material library for consistency and accessibility across product categories.
• Oversee inventory and organization of hardware and trim libraries, ensuring accurate references and removal of obsolete materials.
• Maintain and update physical and digital binders organized by factory, season, and material type.
• Maintain organized archives of lab dips, quality submits, and test reports for future reference and compliance.
• Cross-Functional Coordination
• Coordinate with Design, Tech Design, and Production to streamline communication between teams and vendors.
• Communicate with mills, agents, and factories to confirm deliveries, approvals, and testing documentation.
• Report raw material status and flag timing or quality risks ahead of development and production deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Production, Merchandising, Textile Science, or related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in product development, raw materials, or apparel production.
• Strong organizational skills and sharp attention to detail.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills; comfortable collaborating cross-functionally.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and working literacy in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Experience with ERP or PLM systems is a plus; familiarity with digital material tracking tools preferred.
• Familiarity with luxury or contemporary fashion environments is preferred.
• Proven ability to manage multiple timelines and priorities with accuracy and accountability.