Assistant Material Development Manager (Footwear)

Support the team in all tasks related to material sourcing based on seasonal briefings, for special projects and general research.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES

- Prepare the material lists and color approval for different development stages

- Track seasonal development, communicating status between PD teams, shoe vendors and material suppliers, ensuring materials are consolidated and ready according to the seasonal T&A

- Support the Planning Team in the material buy stage for all product categories.

- Partner with Planning Team in the building and maintenance of a supplier matrix aligned with the production sourcing strategy.

- Organize and maintain materials library

- Partner closely with Design and AMS team in the use of inventory materials.

- Communicate closely with material suppliers with quality, price and lead-time considerations.

- Support the Planning team and shoe vendors for pushing or negotiating the production lead-time or production issues when it is needed.

- Seasonal production inventory follow up with all shoe factories and planning team.

- Continuously research materials newness, market trends and innovation.

- Perform other duties assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Qualification Required:

- Associate degree or above.

- At least 10 years working experience in related material development and sourcing in fashion industry

- Working knowledge of shoe construction and material manufacturing process such as textile, leather, PU, hardware, etc.

- Strong in negotiation and presentation skills

- Strong eye for trend/fashion

- Good command of spoken and written English and Chinese

- Familiar with Office software, especially PowerPoint and Excel.

- Have an understanding of materials testing protocols

- Color training and/or analysis experience a plus