Job Description

Reports to: Founder
Works closely with: Design, Garment Merchandising, PPC, QA/QC, Farm/Yarn teams, Accounts

Core Purpose of the Role

To own the entire fabric side of the business - from translating buyer briefs into fabric developments, through sourcing and sampling, to bulk fabric readiness - ensuring right quality, right cost, right delivery, aligned with Oshadi's regenerative and high-end positioning.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

1. Fabric Development & Technical Specifications

Translate buyer / design briefs into clear fabric specifications
(fiber content, count, construction, EPI/PPI, weave/knit structure, GSM, width, finishes, dyeing/printing route).

Develop new base qualities and seasonal fabric stories (voiles, poplins, denims, knits, jacquards, etc.) suitable for high-end customers. Coordinate bit looms, strike-offs, lab dips, sample yardage with internal & external partners. Maintain a structured fabric library: Approved qualities per client Colour cards, test reports, handfeel references.
2. Sourcing & Vendor Management

Identify, onboard and manage a reliable network of weavers, knitters, dyers, printers, finishers and labs in line with GOTS / organic / regenerative requirements where applicable. Negotiate prices, lead times, MOQs and payment terms with all fabric vendors and processors. Monitor vendor performance on: Quality On-time delivery Response time / flexibility Take corrective action with underperforming vendors; recommend vendor rationalisation where needed.
3. Fabric Costing & Margin Management

Prepare accurate fabric costings for all developments and bulk programmes: Yarn cost, conversion charges, processing (dye/print/finish), testing, wastage and overhead allocation. Work with IE / Costing / Accounts to ensure costing logic is consistent and transparent across clients and seasons. Support garment merchandising by providing: Final fabric rates Cost implication of design changes (width change, weave change, print vs dye). Highlight margin risks (e.g. yarn price spikes, extra processes, low yields) early and propose mitigation options.
4. Order Tracking, T&A & Coordination

Create and maintain T&A calendars for all fabric developments and bulk fabric orders per buyer/style. Ensure critical path milestones are tracked and met: Bit loom / strike-off / lab-dip approval Sample yardage readiness Bulk greige-in, processing-in, finishing-out, inspection, dispatch to garmenting. Coordinate closely with PPC and Garment Merchandising so that fabric readiness aligns with cutting and production start dates. Proactively flag delays or risks with clear options (expedite, alternate vendor, alternate process).
5. Quality, Testing & Compliance

Define fabric quality standards per buyer/season (shrinkage, torque, colour fastness, seam slippage, pilling, etc.). Plan and coordinate testing with labs (SGS / BV / in-house lab) and ensure reports meet buyer requirements. Work with QC to ensure: Fabric inspection systems (4-point / 10-point) are implemented and recorded. Clear disposition of rejects/seconds and root cause analysis with vendors. Ensure all fabrics meet certification / traceability needs (GOTS, organic, regenerative, traceability docs, test reports).
6. Buyer / Client Communication (Fabric Side)

Act as the primary fabric contact for key buyers and their teams (design, PD, merchandising). Share: Swatches, hangers, strike-offs, lab dips and updated colourways. Technical clarifications and testing updates. Participate in range development discussions and proactively suggest suitable Oshadi fabrics and finishes for buyer's silhouettes. Manage revision cycles (R1, R2 etc.) and maintain clear documentation of what has been approved by whom and when.
7. Data, Systems & Reporting

Maintain updated tracking sheets / ERP data for: All ongoing fabric developments Bulk fabric orders and their status Vendor-wise price lists and lead times. Generate weekly fabric status reports for management: Key achievements Delayed items and reasons Decisions/support required from management. Work with accounts to verify fabric supplier bills, ensure rates & quantities match POs and approvals.
8. Process Improvement & Team Management

Document and refine SOPs for fabric development and sourcing, including: New quality development flow Strike-off / lab-dip approval process Bulk ordering and inspection. Train and mentor any junior merchandisers / assistants in fabric basics, communication standards and data discipline. Continuously look for ways to: Reduce development lead times Improve first-time approval rates Lower cost without compromising quality or ethics.
9. Alignment with Regenerative / Seed-to-Sew Vision

Work with farm/yarn teams to prioritise in-house regenerative yarns where possible. Support story-telling needs by keeping clean traceability from farm ? yarn ? fabric for key programmes. Ensure sourcing decisions support long-term relationships and ethical production, not just short-term price gains.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From ?70,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person