Authenticity is everything,

About us

Our founder, Lena Bryant didn't set out to change fashion forever, but that's exactly what she did. 120 years later, Lane Bryant remains the iconic plus-size brand. Empowering women is kind of our thing. Our inclusive community of customers and associates champions the acceptance of all sizes, shapes, and people. If you believe in the power of clothes to create confidence and empower self-expression, you'll be at home here.

About the role

This position is responsible for driving the research and development of seasonal fabric assortments within our quality standards and cost targets.  This position works closely with the Lane Bryant Design and Sourcing teams to drive daily communication with mill/vendor partners and to support the execution of the fabric development process

The impact you can have

• Research and stay abreast of aesthetic fabric trends and technological developments.

• Develop fabric options suitable for end-use performance and quality expectations of the brand (and meet our fit-for-purpose requirements in total) and meet costing/IMU requirements seasonally.

• Partner with Design and Sourcing teams to initiate and drive fabric adoption process.  Assist in building seasonal fabric concept boards.

• Negotiate fabric costs for all areas of the business holistically and directly with the mills and or vendors to ensure best costs are achieved.

• Document annual fabric consumption by quality and by mill to leverage cost negotiations independently of vendor (including market vendors)-revisit annually.

• Collaborate and problem-solve with the mill and factories on any fabric related issues during development and production.

• Create and maintain fabric library with costs for each department of the business.

• Create and sustain open communication cross functionally with Design, Technical Design, QA, Sourcing/PD, agents/vendors and Third-Party partners on fabric development.  Attend seasonal milestone meetings and participate in weekly cross-functional meetings as required.

You’ll bring to the role

• Minimum of 5-7 years experience within design, fabric research & development within the intimate apparel fashion retail and/or wholesale industry.  Specialty retail experience preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Textile Science/Design or related field.

• Solid fabric construction knowledge across multiple specialized areas (i.e. woven, knit, yarn, trim) and general fabric construction understanding in intimate apparel.

• Strong aptitude and understanding of dyeing, printing, and finishing techniques. 

• Awareness of fabric trends, direction, and research avenues.

• Strong cost negotiation skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Must have ability to work cross functionally and to communicate at all levels within the organization

Benefits at KnitWell Group

• You will be eligible to receive a merchandise discount at select KnitWell Group brands, subject to each brand’s discount policies.

• Support for your individual development plus career mobility within our family of brands    

• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities*   

• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K) retirement*  

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

• Time off – paid time off & holidays* 

*Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role.

Applicants to this position must be authorized to work for any employer in the US without sponsorship. We are not providing sponsorship for this position. 

#LI-KB1

Location:

LB OH Corp Office-LaneBryant-New Albany, OH 43054

Position Type:

Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity
The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact myHRSupport@knitwellgroup.com. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business. The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant’s request for reasonable accommodation.