Research and Development Manager

Company Overview

At Gerber Childrenswear we stand for quality, everyday comfort, and safety. From the clothes we design, to the fabrics we select, to our focus on sustainability and community, we have got what baby needs for their first 1000 days and from one generation to the next. 

Our Team 

Our mission is to be trusted partner to those all responsible for the parenting journey. We do this by seeking every day to answer the question -Will this be safe and bring comfort and joy to every child?
We are dedicated to our mission and passionate about collaboration, moving quickly, breaking down barriers, leveraging technology, eliminating bureaucracy and constantly striving to evolve. Our cultural foundation is built on quality, trust, and value, all bundled together in 90 years of happy little clients while focused on continuously improving to ensure many more years of happy little clients

This is a full time, hybrid role with our office in New York City. This position does require 3 days in office and 2 days that can be completed remotely from home. The target hiring range for this position is $85,000.

Who We Are Looking For:

The Research & Development Manager will be responsible for supporting the Modern Moments & Gerber Design Teams to develop seasonal fabrics, trims and techniques that reflect each brand’s ethos & image. The Manager will assist each respective Team through every aspect of the development from research through prototype samples. This is an exciting and varied role that requires a pro-active individual who thrives in a fast paced and vibrant environment but can remain calm under pressure.

What You'll Do:

• Manages approval process for new development of fabric/trim/techniques/prototype samples in collaboration with Design and Sourcing.
• Reviews and critiques all new fabric/trim/techniques to ensure overall aesthetics meets design standards while maintaining development timeline.
• Research market for new fabric/trim ideas in tangent with Design & Merchandising.
• Daily communication with factories and cross functional teams to resolve issues affecting fabric/trim & design prototype development.
• Manages all pre-development in PLM system.
• Addresses potential safety concerns.
• Maintains fabric/trim/technique library.
• Tracks/receives prototypes for all programs and schedules meetings with CMO, Merchandising and Design.

Who You Are:

• Minimum 3-5 year experience in the apparel or textile industry.
• College Degree or equivalent work experience.
• Must have fundamental knowledge of textiles including woven and knit development (sweater knits a BIG plus) and how it affects coloration, printing, and finishing, as well as textile construction.
• Manages entire prototype development process starting with fabric, trim, techniques through prototype samples.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Illustrator.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, attention to detail and follow-up skills.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Pay – We believe in rewarding success and showing our employees just how much they’re valued in a variety of different ways, including compensation. 
• Health and Wellness - There’s nothing basic about our comprehensive health and wellness programs and offerings. While at work and at play, we aim to support a healthy lifestyle.
• Time away from work - Sometimes we need time away to be with family, enjoy our hobbies, focus on our health or just simply recharge. We are committed to helping our employees create a work-life harmony!
• Growth and Development - We are constantly seeking to offer opportunities and support for personal and professional development.
• Financial Planning and Wellbeing - No matter what financial goals our employees have set, we want to help them get there. We offer access to benefits, programs and education to help our employees to protect income, pay for expenses and invest in the future. Including a generous 401K match!
• Extras, discounts and perks - Generous discounts to our company and related companies, is just one of the cool extras we offer!