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MATERIAL DIRECTOR

Employer
Gymshark
Location
Solihull
Salary
Competitive plus excellent benefits
Closing date
20 Jul 2021

Are you our next Material Director? We’re looking for someone to join our Product team who is responsible for leading and executing the overall raw materials strategy. Someone who wants to be part of a team that lifts each other up; a team that fails together and celebrates together. Someone who likes each day to be different, the challenge of doing things differently, and the freedom to figure things out for themselves. We work hard, sure, but we have a laugh while we do it.

We’re here to unite the conditioning community. We believe that putting the sweat in today, prepares us for tomorrow. So, we give people the tools they need to reach further, go faster, be stronger. We celebrate those who show up – for themselves – to be their physical or mental best, whatever that means for them. It’s what we want for our community, and our team. A team that’s growing rapidly around the world. A collective of talented individuals working together to invent Gymshark’s future. Our plans are ambitious, and we’re looking for people who want to join us for the ride – our growth will be your growth.

WE HIRE PEOPLE.

Real-life humans, each with their own unique set of thoughts, beliefs, cultures, identities and a background and body that is completely individual. Together, all these unique humans make Gymshark stronger.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably applying for or considering applying for a job with us, and we want you to know that Gymshark is an equal opportunity employer. For us, that means we always, and will always, strive to be as inclusive as possible in all aspects of employment and that we do not, and will not, tolerate discrimination of any kind.

Sound like you? Here’s the role up close:

As the Material Director, you will own raw materials development, calendar management, personnel management and interact daily with internal Design, Product Development, Procurement & Sourcing team, and counterparts. You'll be putting the environment at the heart of everything we do to help create a cleaner future and sustainable raw materials supply chain.

You'll also be:

  • Creating and overseeing the Material strategy for the Gymshark business as it relates to materials policies, (sustainability) objectives, and initiatives.
  • Leading and managing the raw materials team with a consistent focus on development and mentorship.
  • Creating an agile and versatile Raw Material (RM) mill matrix that complements the Gymshark brand direction and ethos.
  • Continuously benchmarking regarding price and lead time to ensure “right first time” development and carrying out price negotiation, always looking for strategies to increase efficiency and save time and cost.
  • Helping drive fabric innovation - keeping the business up to date on relevant fibre, yarn, fabric, and finishes, that can add value to the fabric proposition through continuous sourcing and fabric development, working in conjunction with the sourcing.
  • Interpreting design needs and provide full support on all raw materials requests.
  • Curating good-better-best material offering following the design vision, quality cost and lead-time goals.
  • Partnering with Design & PM to define core material base while also presenting trend material toolboxes in all relevant material categories.
  • Overseeing the purchase, scheduling, tracking, and reporting on all test, seasonal proto & possible SMS materials.
  • Communicating daily with the Design Team, PD, PM, overseas offices, and suppliers whilst reviewing all material submissions. 
  • Colour Palette: collaborate with Design to maintain an updated, seasonal colour palette and execute/distribute lab dips.
  • Monitoring seasonal KPIs.
  • Managing issuance of RM Approval Standards.
  • Partnering closely with the Materials Sourcing team, based in Hong Kong & Mauritius.
  • Attending domestic and international material shows to identify sources and research trends.
  • Instilling quality in the product from the onset of development through final production.
  • Understanding all technical properties and work with Design and PD on the correct application to the product. Ensure materials are “fit for purpose”; problem-solve quality lapses.
  • Ensuring that all RM used are compliant for performance and restricted substances prior to production, collaborating with the testing team.
  • Acting as an educator and providing material knowledge to cross-functional teams.
  • Driving the department forward through process improvement and best practices whilst managing, motivating and growing direct reports.
  • Participating in weekly Cross-Functional Meetings, Detail Meetings, Milestone Meetings

What you'll need:

  • Degree in Textile Design or Textile Engineering preferred
  • Extensive experience in raw materials management, sourcing of knit & woven, fabrications, trims, and garment washing and finishing processes in the Apparel.
  • A clear understanding of fabric and garment dyeing, printing, and finishing techniques.
  • Practical experience in quality assurance and best practices
  • Computer skills eg. Excel, Word, PLM, Illustrator and Photoshop)
  • Strong project management skills.
  • Strong negotiation and mill management skills
  • Demonstrated leadership and people management skills with extensive management experience
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Solid influencing, execution, and attention to detail skills
  • Positive and collaborative demeanour
  • Ability to travel both domestically and internationally.

When normal office working resumes, our expectation would require candidates to attend to travel to GSHQ, Solihull, UK, occasionally. 

THE PERKS.

Competitive 'Win Together, Lose Together' Bonus
Full private medical insurance with no excess
25 days holidays + your birthday and all the bank Holidays which can be substituted and taken whenever you want.
A truly flexible working culture
A collaborative, creative, and inspiring working environment
Employer pension contributions up to 7%
Life Assurance at four times your basic salary
50% Gymshark Discount & Gymshark Gift Card for each year of service
Financial, Physical and Mental Wellbeing Support
Great training and learning resources & 10% time for personal development
Choice of hardware and access to the best software
Paid time off when you’re physically and mentally unwell
Very Generous Family Leave package – we support you extending your family

GS CAMPUS PERKS.

Refuel - Healthy fresh food at GSHQ
Lifting Club (LC) Gym Membership
Free monthly massages
Beauty and Barber facilities
Free on-site parking

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