Sweater Yarn Specialist for Banana Republic Job Listing at Gap Inc. in NEW YORK, NY

Retail

Title: Sweater Yarn Specialist for Banana Republic
Location: US-NY-NEW YORK
Other Locations:
GENERAL SUMMARY: Individual will have in depth technical expertise to drive newness and innovation of brand yarn development. Individual will bring new ideas to the design table each season while also conducting seasonless, continual research and development. Individual will source seasonal design request with appropriate vendors and offer creative solutions if the request is outside the brands sourcing and pricing strategy. This specialist will have extensive knowledge of costing and supply base.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

*Partner and coordinate all phases of yarn research and development for men’s and women’s sweaters with an emphasis on forward strategic thinking.
*Work closely with design and production counterparts to ensure smooth handoff of design development packages and seamless execution of product.
*Monitor calendar to ensure all development dates are adhered to and that follow through is achieved.
*Ensure yarn performance meets all Gap Inc Standards- I.e. Pilling, Skewing, Shrinkage, etc.
*Travel international for research and development.
*Review and evaluate with design duplicative yarns and where we can consolidate on a seasonal basis.
*Manage the research and development of both European & Chinese Mills.
*Ensure handfeel standards are established with design’s approval.
Maintain a consistent alignment with men’s & women’s on their current view of forward brand strategy, specifically in yarn development and overall concepts for upcoming seasons.
* Attend seasonal yarn shows to gain perspective on where trend is going while determining what applies to our business.
*Continually develop test yarns or reinvent current yarns to get ahead of the seasonal calendar.
*Attend raw material review meetings with designers, VP’s & Creative Director.
*Regularly shop stores and benchmark brands in order to better understand where they are and where they are going as it relates to yarn and price point.
*Meet with key suppliers to gain clear understanding of future developments and competitive sourcing of yarns.
*Primarily considers own area of the business when making decisions but weighs the impact on various parts of the business.
*Ability to see big picture and prioritize concerns/issues
*Translate aesthetic into clear, executable direction for vendor technicians.
*Ensure design’s boards are updated with current yarn prices
*Utilize technical expertise to realistically translate design intent.
*Maintain a yarn resource library to support seasonal inspiration as well as archive of BR Brand yarn development.
*Support seasonal key yarns through the pipeline development process.
*Drive men’s & women’s sweater category to balance quality and cost of yarns- focus on good, better, best.
*Ability to consider the impact of actions/decisions on customer while maintaining a clear understanding/focus of the customer needs.
1) Knowledge, skills & abilities:
In depth technical knowledge of gauge, weight, yarn size and construction
Ability to work closely and partner effectively with design, vendors, product and all other cross-functional global partners.
Strong strategic/analytical skills
Strong communication skills.
Ability to negotiate and build consensus across multiple functions.
Working knowledge and understanding of Production.
Some Management skills.
Ability to regularly interface with and influence senior management

2) Minimum educational level:
Bachelor’s degree in textiles or design or equivalent experience preferred

3) Minimum experience:
• 5 to 8 years in textile industry working with yarn development.
• 1 to 2 years of management experience preferred

4) Physical Requirements:
• Ability to travel throughout the U.S. and internationally as needed.