Fabric Manager

Job description

Position Overview The Fabric Manager leads the sourcing, development, and commercialization of raw materials across Tuckernuck’s apparel line. This role owns the full fabric development lifecycle - from seasonal research and mill outreach through lab dip approvals, bulk production, and quality compliance - with a strong emphasis on building and managing core fabric franchises that drive consistency, quality, and profitability. The Fabric Manager is a key cross-functional role, partnering closely with Design, Production, and Suppliers to ensure the creative vision translates into scalable, cost-effective materials that meet Tuckernuck’s quality standards and speed-to-market requirements. Core Responsibilities Sourcing & Development Research and source new and running fabrics; manage seasonal development calendars and lab dip requests Stay ahead of textile trends, attend trade shows, and bring forward fabric innovation aligned to the Tuckernuck aesthetic Build and maintain a curated digital and physical raw materials library organized by mill, category, composition, and end use Supplier & Vendor Management Serve as the primary point of contact for fabric mills and agents; manage submissions, approvals, and follow-up Negotiate pricing, minimums, and bulk lead times; maintain clear knowledge of each supplier’s capabilities, specialties, and innovations Ensure all mills and vendors are aligned on seasonal direction and execution requirements throughout development Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Design, Merchandising, and Production to troubleshoot material issues and escalate appropriately Brief Design teams on seasonal fabric toolboxes and creative direction Support Production in meeting all technical specifications and testing protocols for on-time delivery Quality & Compliance Oversee all relevant textile testing (tear, tensile, colorfastness, recovery/wear); identify and implement alternatives when needed Ensure compliance with applicable import and material regulations Data & Process Management Track raw material orders and fabric development through WIP tools (Excel, Airtable, or similar); maintain structured, consistently updated visibility for Design and Production Analyze prior season bulk and development data to identify gaps, reduce imbalances, and improve fabric planning efficiency Minimum Qualifications Minimum 5 years of experience in fabric R&D, sourcing, or purchasing for an apparel brand Direct experience working with domestic and overseas mills, agents, factories, and full-package vendors Deep knowledge of textile construction across wovens and cut-and-sew knits - including finishes, weights, widths, shrinkage, and performance characteristics Strong understanding of fabric costing, MOQs, sample yardage needs, bulk approval requirements, and production timelines Exceptional organizational skills and follow-through; able to manage multiple fabric programs simultaneously Clear, effective communicator across internal teams and external partners Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Outlook, PLM and WIP tracking tools Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Deep passion for the Tuckernuck brand and a strong understanding of our customer, product positioning, and growth strategy. Extensive expertise in sourcing and fabric development. Strategic and solutions-oriented leader with the ability to anticipate challenges and drive business-focused outcomes. Strong operational mindset with a proven ability to build scalable processes, systems, and teams. Exceptional project management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities, timelines, and stakeholders. Highly collaborative leader who builds strong partnerships across Design, Merchandising, Planning, Logistics, and Executive Leadership. Outstanding communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills with internal teams, vendors, and manufacturing partners. Demonstrated ability to mentor, develop, and lead high-performing teams through periods of growth and change. Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment while maintaining a high level of organization, accountability, and attention to detail. Proficiency in PLM, ERP, Airtable, Noloco, Microsoft Excel, and other product development tools. Compensation Compensation for the role will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, skills, and experience. The estimated annual compensation for this role is $ 80,000-$100,000 ; classified as full-time exempt and not eligible for overtime. At Tuckernuck, we care about our team and offer benefits that support your health, growth, and work-life balance. This includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with a company match, generous paid time off and holiday, paid new parent leave, a generous employee discount, and other great perks. Core Values The successful candidate will also demonstrate the following core values that inspire the Tuckernuck team to make a difference. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work Find the Fun Stay Authentic Respect Entrepreneurial Spirit Start Strong & Finish Strong Have Courage Continuous Improvement Tuckernuck is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. Tuckernuck policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, marital or veteran status, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or characteristics (or those of a family member), sexual orientation, pregnancy, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It also prohibits discrimination based on a perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. All such discrimination is unlawful.