Director – Specialty Fibers

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Italy, +1 more country.

📋 Description

• Manage the comprehensive specialty fiber supply chain from raw fiber to finished yarn.

• Guide and support sourcing managers, quality engineers, and production specialists.

• Implement multi-sourcing and nearshoring strategies throughout the Americas and Asia.

• Assess opportunities for vertical integration in spinning, dyeing, and finishing processes.

• Provide strategic insights to executives regarding fiber market dynamics, geopolitical risks, climate effects, and competitive analysis.

• Discover cost-leadership opportunities while upholding ethical standards and ensuring product integrity.

• Develop, evaluate, and onboard mills, dehairers, spinners, and dyeing facilities.

• Initiate supplier development programs to enhance yield, minimize defects, adopt sustainable practices, and realize cost efficiencies.

• Promote traceability and transparency throughout the fiber supply chain, collaborating with certification organizations.

• Make informed sourcing decisions based on auction prices, crop predictions, currency variations, and geopolitical changes.

• Design quality management systems and establish standards, testing protocols, and approval processes.

• Set quality benchmarks for micron distribution, fiber length, tensile strength, yield, color fastness, and pilling resistance.

• Supervise third-party lab testing and ensure compliance with international standards and internal specifications.

• Conduct root-cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive measures across the supply chain.

• Convert design and tactile visions into scalable technical specifications.

• Offer technical guidance to design, product development, and production teams.

• Maintain daily communication with mills, dye houses, and suppliers regarding quality, color, availability, and production schedules.

• Transform design and merchandising concepts into detailed technical briefs.

• Facilitate blind panels to assess luxury fiber perception and color accuracy prior to commercialization.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Science, Fiber Engineering, Material Science, Supply Chain Management, Color Chemistry, or a related discipline.

• Over 15 years of experience in specialty fiber sourcing, yarn production, quality management, or coloration for apparel, accessories, or home textiles.

• In-depth technical expertise in natural fibers, including cashmere, merino, yak, alpaca, and cotton.

• Familiarity with woolen and worsted spinning methods.

• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing cross-functional teams within a fast-paced retail or manufacturing setting.

• Strong analytical skills related to cost, including cost-per-kilogram modeling, yield optimization, landed cost analysis, and budget management.

• Proven track record in establishing and maintaining quality standards and supplier compliance programs, including SKU rationalization and shade consolidation.

• Exceptional communication abilities, with a talent for simplifying complex technical ideas for non-technical audiences.

• Preferred: experience with sustainable fibers.

• Preferred: knowledge of supply chain traceability, including blockchain or digital tracking technologies.

• Preferred: familiarity with PLM systems and quality database management.

• Preferred: experience in luxury goods with an appreciation for premium aesthetics, handfeel, and trend analysis.

• Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

🏝️ Benefits

• Bonus and equity options may be available for eligible positions.

• Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

• Commitment to equal employment opportunities.

• Background checks will be conducted in accordance with applicable laws.