Materials Manager

**Summary of role**:
The Materials Manager is responsible for leading the Materials Team to source, develop, commercialise and deliver premium quality fabrics and trims on time and in line with the agreed strategy for each product and category, ensuring maximised profit marginsand adhering to Rohan brand and quality standards throughout. Working across multiple product categories the Materials Manager is responsible for leading the team to deliver compelling and innovative fabrics and trims, driving product aesthetics to the highestlevel while retaining commercial viability and required performance attributes. This role is also key in driving forward the materials elements of our sustainability goals and targets

The Materials Manager will drive the relationships between Rohan and the fabric and trim suppliers to ensure that standards and specifications are understood and executable and all development and production deadlines are met on time and in full. The MaterialsManager will work closely with design, technical, CSR and production teams to ensure that expected quality standards and deadlines are upheld from concept throughout production to delivery

This role has 3 direct reports and reports into the Product Director

**Key Objectives**:
Responsible for the day to day management of the materials team and ensuring the team meet all critical path deadlines on time and in full

Responsible for developing and delivering market leading performance materials aligned to the seasonal briefs, utilising our brand five pillars of protective, lightweight, packable, easy-care and versatile, as appropriate and relevant to the range, category,style and end use

Partner with the Design Manager to lead research and propose appropriate materials, trims, finishes and technologies to support the seasonal briefs, range direction and end-use and inspire innovation within the team and explore new concepts that expand onour brand defining products

Develop and maintain up-to-date knowledge of sustainable and low-impact ideas, sharing information to support the product sustainability roadmap and targets and embed this thinking across the materials team and wider product team

Ensure all materials meet Rohan’s performance attributes, quality standards, testing requirements and sustainability requirements to support marketing claims (waterproof, DWR, wicking, odour management, UPF, etc) and all standards are met from the productbriefs throughout to production

Main point of contact and responsibility for all sourcing, development and commercialisation of fabrics and trims with the nominated suppliers ensuring quality to Rohan brand standards

Partnering with the Technical Manager and Production Manager to set up the seasonal calendar and critical path ensuring correct timings are allocated to each deadline to avoid delays

Build and develop the materials team’s commercial awareness on the importance of hitting target cost prices and MOQ’s to avoid, where possible, any potential surcharge implications and margin erosion

Lead costing on fabric and trims and ensure MOQ’s, leadtimes, surcharges and production requirements are clearly communicated throughout the development and production process

**Key Requirements & Skills**:
Educated to degree or similar qualification in a Textile related discipline

Minimum 8 years experience in a similar role and/or business

Knowledge and understanding of technical apparel and sportswear a must have

Knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Outdoor and Travel activities is a benefit

Ability and willingness to travel within UK, EU and Asia if required

Self-motivated and wanting to learn and develop skills and knowledge

Well organized and methodical approach to work, driven by attention to detail

Ability to work independently and within multiple teams

Effective communicator

Excellent project management skills

**What's In It For You?**
- Clothing allowance
- 50% discount on our clothing
- Regular staff sales
- Contributions to a Pension scheme
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Bikes through the government ride to work scheme
- Employee Assistance Scheme
- Fantastic e-learning and development programme
- Free on-site parking
- Social committee