Job Title: Associate Material Developer
Department: Selling and Administration
Reports To: Apparel Product Manager
Organization: Berne Apparel is a manufacturer and distributor of work and outdoor apparel. The company offers a full line of industrial wear, insulated work clothing such as bib overalls, jackets, coats, coveralls, work jeans, shirts, sweatshirts and accessories for men, women and youth. Distribution of products is primarily concentrated within the United States/Canada to farm and home retailers, sporting goods retailers, uniform resellers, and promotional products distributors.
Job Description: As the Material Developer, you will be responsible for seasonal fabric, color and print/plaid development. You will work with suppliers to ensure new fabrics meet Berne quality standards, adhering to the development calendar ensuring on time delivery of development. This role would also be responsible for entering and maintaining fabric library within the PLM system. This role partners closely with the design team to select the new seasonal fabric based on the requested fabric construction and functional finishes
Primary Responsibilities
- Work with Manager to partner with fabric suppliers to deliver highly innovative fabrics and provide technical support for design, product development and garment vendor partners.
- Analyze market sample fabric and its testing data and propose new materials/trims.
- Provide the support and advise internal team or the fabric suppliers how to improve the fabric quality (hand, appearance, and performance) during the development process.
- Initiate and follow up on the color lab dip, yarn dye hand loom, and print strike-off approvals.
- Assist with color/wash development as needed with the Compliance, PD, and Design team.
- Complete input details of both digital (PLM) and physical material and trim libraries
- Work with Sourcing, PD and Design team on problem solving on fabric costs and value engineering fabrics to hit our target costs.
- Follow new fabric concepts through approval process, partnering with compliance team to ensure all necessary material features/benefits are achieved for production.
- Troubleshoot and problem solve for any issues related to the fabric and color during the development and production cycle.
- Coordinate sample yardage seasonally for Photo/Sales/Wear Test needs.
- Adhere to calendar and timelines to meet seasonal deadlines.
Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree is Textiles, Product Development, Fashion Design or related field
- 1-3 years working in Material Development
- Knowledge of apparel manufacturing process as well as with workwear fabric testing protocols.
- Solid raw material construction and clear understanding of their manufacturing techniques.
- Strong awareness of raw material trend direction, and research & development avenues.
- Knowledge of PLM System (Centric or similar)
- Ability to work with multiple personalities in a diverse, fast paced environment to create a team atmosphere
- Ability to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to problem solve
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- AD&D insurance
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Experience:
- Material Development: 1 year (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Ossian, IN 46777: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person