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Raw Material Developer (Intimates Apparel)

Knix Wear

Knix Wear

Software Engineering
Toronto, ON, Canada
Posted 6+ months ago
Knix is a direct-to-consumer intimate apparel brand that is re-inventing intimates for real life. Through our innovative products and our engaged community, we are empowering people everywhere to be unapologetically free. Launched in 2013, we are one of the fastest-growing companies in Canada and are globally recognized as an innovator within the apparel space.
The Raw Material Developer will support the Knix product development process by applying new thinking to fabric creation and sourcing. You will bring the capabilities of our new and existing products to life through expert knowledge of fabric performance and functionality. A day in the life of a Raw Material Developer entails everything from selecting fabrics for prototypes, travelling to fabric shows and offshore factories, reviewing lab test and wear test data, communicating with vendors and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

The Opportunity

  • Lead fabric sourcing efforts by attending fabric shows to discover new collections, trims, and concepts, with a focus on the unique needs of intimates.
  • Partner with fabric suppliers to develop innovative materials and provide technical guidance to design product development, and garment vendor teams.
  • Manage and adhere to the seasonal fabric development calendar to meet critical deadlines.
  • Facilitate collaboration between mills, design, and product development teams to explore new fabric qualities and finishing techniques.
  • Ensure fabrication details are accurately documented in tech packs.
  • Oversee technical validation and the approval process for raw materials, ensuring alignment with product standards.
  • Collaborate with the QA team to conduct fabric testing, assess risks, and establish quality and performance benchmarks tailored for intimates.
  • Guide new fabric concepts through fitting, testing, and approval processes, ensuring readiness for production.
  • Participate in weekly cross-functional meetings with Design, Technical, and Sourcing teams to report on and advise about new product development progress.

Qualifications

  • Experience in Intimates: Proven experience working in the intimates category, with an understanding of fabric requirements for comfort, durability, and functionality specific to lingerie and intimate apparel.
  • Industry Experience: 4-5 years of Fabric R&D/Production experience, including building relationships with fabric suppliers and overseas vendors.
  • Technical Knowledge: Strong raw material construction expertise, including manufacturing techniques and performance fabric testing protocols.
  • Trend Awareness: A clear understanding of raw material trends and innovative R&D opportunities, with a focus on intimate apparel materials.
  • Supplier Partnerships: Established relationships with fabric suppliers and the ability to navigate challenges to drive solutions while maintaining strong partnerships.
  • Industry Standards: Familiarity with AATCC and ASTM testing methods.
  • Field Experience: Experience visiting mills and fabric facilities, with a focus on quality, compliance, and process optimization.
  • Leadership & Collaboration: Ability to lead your area of responsibility, influence decision-making, and maintain positive working relationships across departments in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
  • Detail-Oriented & Organized: Meticulous attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to meet fluctuating deadlines.
How we Hire
Our people are what make Knix, Knix! Our people are passionate and have a strong belief in our mission. Our people are naturally curious and ambitious by nature. Employees feel respected and supported at Knix. We take an inclusive and equitable approach offering the same interview experience to every candidate we meet with. Knix is an equal-opportunity employer, we celebrate everyone and their intersecting identities. We know and believe that diverse and inclusive teams empower us to make better decisions and inspire innovation so that we can better serve our customers and community. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations and will work with you to meet your needs. If you are a person with a disability and require assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out! We celebrate our inclusive work environment and welcome members of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply.