Eddie Bauer, Inc. Hiring for DIRECTOR, MATERIALS at Bellevue, Washington Full Time

Overview

Direct, develop and execute the materials strategy to meet sourcing strategy, design vision, merchant requirements and Company financial goals.

Responsibilities

Core Accountabilities:

• Establish and manage the materials development process from concept to commercialization across all categories.
• Partner with Product Line Merchants and sourcing to establish seasonal cost targets and guidelines.
• Partner with Design to establish seasonal fabric direction.
• Actively research, attend industry events and stay on top of trends to ensure Eddie Bauer is at the forefront of the marketplace; lead the Materials team to research, develop, and present seasonal material strategy to ensure consistent material application throughout the organization.
• Develop and identify new materials to meet the design intent, merchant requirements and financial goals.
• Align material development process with the company calendar to consistently meet deadlines.
• Lead material development.
• Manage relationships with Mills and Suppliers; leading or participating in meetings as appropriate.
• Initiate early negotiations related to pricing.
• Partner with QA to set quality standards, address quality issues and establish new performance specifications where applicable.
• Oversee materials library.
• Recruit, retain and develop high performing Materials.
• Travel as necessary.

Leadership Expectations:

• Operate with the highest level of conduct, integrity, and confidentiality; setting the example for leaders and associates.
• Develop and nurture strong cross functional partnerships; driving business results and inspiring a culture of transparency, collaboration, and accountability.
• Serve as an Eddie Bauer advocate in the industry and marketplace.
• Recruit, identify, develop, and retain talent that delivers performance excellence.
• As a manager, serve as a leader of company culture, norms, and conduct.
• Ability to balance a strong management presence with a high level of approachability, encouraging and eliciting associate feedback and interaction.

Qualifications

Education/Experience Required:

• 4 year college degree.
• 10-12 years experience in fabric and trim development, preferably for an active/outdoor retailer.
• 5 years managerial experience.
• Experience leading a high performing team.
• Detailed technical knowledge of all material development categories and critical applications.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with all levels of the organization.
• Experience in overseas travel and working directly with Mills.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that are required by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to talk or hear. The associate is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; as well as reach with hands and arms.
• The associate must frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to work in open environment with fluctuating temperatures and standard lighting.
• Ability to work on computer and mobile phone for multiple hours; with frequent interruptions.
• Required to travel in elevator or stairwells to attend meetings and engage with associates on multiple floors throughout building.
• Hotel, Airplane, and Car Travel Required.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position.  As an International Retailer, occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required during periods of high volume.  This role operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment.

Other Considerations:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the associate for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the role.