Technical Raw Material Developer- PPE

Position Details

Title: Technical Raw Material Developer- PPE

Department: Global Product Development

Reports to: Sr Manager, Technical Development- PPE

Location: Dearborn

Job Classification: Hybrid

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Band: Professional

Job Summary

The Technical Raw Material Developer collaborates with the Design and Merchant teams to develop new materials and executes against seasonal timelines. The Tech RM Developer has experience and knowledge of raw materials (fabric and trim) development and ability to develop fiber up, as needed. The position executes quality standards and requirements for all raw materials; develops directly with mills/vendors; and ensures physical and performance properties meet Carhartt requirements prior to approval.

Inspired by Hard Work

At Carhartt, the values of hard work—dependability, honesty, and trust—are rooted in the legacy of our founder, Hamilton Carhartt. His commitment to serving hardworking people continues to inspire everything we do. Guided by his legacy and our mission—We serve and protect all hardworking people by building durable products—we remain dedicated to upholding these principles in every decision we make and every product we create.

Associate Responsibilities

• Oversee raw material and trim developments by establishing quality standards and protocols for PPE; ensure all developments can be successfully commercialized through technical solutions; to meet cost targets; and research and embed product compliance regulations into all new and existing materials.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of raw materials (fabric and trim) development from fiber/material up; has technical knowledge to develop and troubleshoot with mill/supplier engineers on site for immediate resolution.
• Execute fabric and trim development approvals within structured seasonal timelines.
• Leads hand-off of approved raw material (standard, specs, and testing) to Quality team to execute bulk production.
• Collaborate with manager to present material trend direction to Design and Merchant partners.
• Develop raw materials based on seasonal strategies and innovation to the business.
• Partner with Sourcing to troubleshoot any developments including but not limited to manufacturing locations; pricing, MOQ, delivery issues, and lead time; and stage materials for on time Prototype and SMS (salesman sample) deliveries.
• Develop, maintain and foster key relationships with counterparts in Supply Chain, Design, Technical Design, Color Management, Sourcing, and Quality.
• Collaborate with Managers and cross functional team on streamlining and improving development processes as needed.
• Maintain Raw Material Library organization, end use, and seasonal/ongoing clean up.
• Continue to build on technical expertise and industry trends related to the textile and apparel industry including new technologies and with a focus on how these changes and/or trends can influence and support divisional and company strategies.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Textiles, Engineering, Technology, or related field; or equivalent years of related experience in lieu of degree.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience in fabric, trim and color development within the Apparel or Textile industry.
• Knowledgeable in textile and material testing protocols (AATCC, ASTM, and global norms). Follows and understands AAFA and AFIRM RSL chemical safety guidelines.
• Demonstrated strategic and analytical skills and aptitude.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to be flexible, solution oriented and adaptive to changing priorities, as well as effectively managing and resolving conflict.
• Effective communicator, verbal and written. Strong and confident presentation skills.
• Excellent organization and planning skills; and the ability to prioritize workloads and manage multiple projects at the same time.
• Proficient in PLM, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator, etc.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Normal office environment, extended periods of sitting/standing or typing at a computer is required.
• Willing to work some weekends if necessary.
• Light lifting may be required up to 25LBS.
• Travel: Light – Up to 10% travel domestically and/or internationally
• This position has a Hybrid location: Associate will work on-site regularly as needed for work activities.
• Carhartt is a tobacco free workplace.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

All associates are required to understand and act in accordance with the Carhartt Core Values. Carhartt reserves the right to change, modify, suspend, interpret or cancel in whole or in any part, the job duties outlined above at any time and without advance notice to the employee.