Fabric R&D Manager, Knits

Our Story

We make modern classics with character. We believe in true timelessness, the integrity of well-made clothes, and since our inception, great quality at a great price. That’s in our DNA. 
  
But we know it’s not only about the clothes, it’s about the feeling it gives the people who wear them—whether they’re confidently giving a presentation in a well-tailored suit; basking in salty beach days in vibrant, sun-soaked swimsuits; or joyfully rediscovering their favorite Rollneck sweater in their closet again and again, season after season. 
  
Ultimately, it’s about helping our customers be the best, most authentic versions of themselves. And that’s what we’re after, to inspire people’s lives and style, for four decades and counting... 

Our dedication to Diversity, Equity, Belonging & Sustainability has been celebrated with industry recognition, reflecting our commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable workplace.

Key Responsibilities:

• Fabric Development & Sourcing
  • Support the Director in the development and sourcing of knit fabrics across multiple categories for Retail (Mens, Womens, Swim/Beach, Kids) + Factory (Swim).
  • Follow seasonal developments across noted divisions ensuring timely deliveries and tracking all status updates.
• Quality Assurance
  • Lead seasonal testing failure improvement efforts in partnership with the QA team to ensure timely resolution.
  • Lead QA callout meetings each season.
  • Clearly communicate all concerns and resolutions to cross functional teams.  
• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
  • Manage all initial PLM data entry, consistently partnering with HK teams to ensure accurate and complete data input. Checking throughout season as needed.
  • Create and distribute all Retail + Factory Swim MIDS (Material IDs) to internal teams.
  • Support in onboarding of new mills.
• Sustainability & Cost Tracking
  • Implement and manage tracker for sustainable fiber updates specific to the knits division.
  • Assist Director in monitoring and reporting raw material cost changes season over season.
• Sample Management
  • Track and manage assortment samples and ydg cuts for NY side.
  • Oversee sample approvals with design, ensuring timely and accurate updates to suppliers.
• Data & Archive Management
  • Develop and maintain new seasonal tracking charts for improved visibility and reporting.
  • Organize and update filing systems for seasonal materials and selections.
  • File and manage knit selection archive as needed.
• Communication & Collaboration

• Clearly and swiftly communicate development timelines, testing feedback, and quality concerns to teams.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with mills, vendors, and sourcing partners. Staying on top of daily communication.
• Coordinate seasonal updates and callouts across all CFT to ensure alignment and clarity each season.
• Manage weekly meeting recaps under Director’s guidance.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Minimum of 5-6 years of experience in fabric. Experience with knit fabrics required.  
• Ability to effectively collaborate, communicate and influence in a matrix environment.
• Ability to communicate well with fabric mills and other suppliers.
• Ability to travel both domestically and internationally.
• Team player and problem solver in a demanding deadline driven environment.
• Motivated, proactive, highly organized and able to adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, strong attention to detail and sense of urgency.

#LI-ED1

We welcome you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes. Our passion is scouting life-long learners who are driven by curiosity, and who feel connected to our brands and share our desire to make an impact. We’re always seeking bright new talent who leverage their unique experiences to discover, grow and evolve with our teams.

Benefits + Perks

• Health & Well-being - Eligible associates and family members receive medical, dental, prescription and vision insurance, family planning (fertility, adoption & surrogacy support), fitness discounts, medical travel and more.

• Associate Discount - We love our products just as much as you do! That’s why we offer a great associate discount across all of our brands (J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, and Madewell).

• Summer Fridays - In addition to our hybrid work model, we also close our office at 1:00 PM every Friday during the Summer months.

• Community Impact - We support the communities where we live and work through our philanthropic efforts and the J.Crew Cares Program.

• Winter Break - In addition to our PTO package, J.Crew Group offers a winter break at the end of December to eligible full-time associates at the Home Office to provide time to refresh and recharge.

Note: Availability of these benefits and perks may be subject to work location & employment type and may have certain eligibility requirements.

At J.Crew Group (JCG) we aim to pay competitively for our company’s size and industry. The base salary offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region of work premises, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.  The base salary is just one component of J.Crew Group’s competitive total rewards strategy that also includes the opportunity for bonus, competitive benefits and perks.

One of our core focuses here at JCG is creating a community and culture that builds belonging. We are deeply committed to our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, and we warmly welcome job applicants of all backgrounds.

JCG is proud to affirmatively provide equal opportunity to all associates and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or citizenship, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, legally protected physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other basis protected under applicable law.