Associate, Materials

DescriptionAbout the Company:At Rhone, we cultivate a work culture that is empowering and rooted in our core values. We are gritty, approaching challenges with resilience and determination. We are responsible, holding ourselves accountable to each other and the work we do. We strive for excellence, pushing boundaries to deliver our best every day. We remain authentic, embracing honesty, humility, and individuality. And above all, we are team centered, knowing that true success comes from collaboration and shared purpose.About the role: The Associate, Materials supports Rhone’s Product Development, Production, Design, and Merchandising teams in the selection, development, and management of materials. This role provides hands-on support throughout the development process, ensuring materials meet design, performance, sustainability, and quality standards. The ideal candidate has a foundational knowledge of fabrics and trims, is highly organized, and is eager to learn and grow in a collaborative product development environment.Key Responsibilities: Material Research & DevelopmentAssist in the selection, research, and development of fabrics, trims, finishes, and technologies aligned with Rhone’s product and brand goals. Support prototype and sample development, ensuring materials are prepared for development and tech packs are complete for sample-to-bulk production. Research and present industry trends related to innovation, performance, technology, and sustainability. Support fabric platforming from greige through prototype, SMS samples, and bulk production. Testing and Quality ValidationCoordinate and support laboratory and field testing of materials. Track lab dip approvals, print approvals, and testing reports, coordinating with overseas partners as needed. Document test results and assist in preparing technical reports. Support troubleshooting of material performance issues in partnership with the QC team. Stay informed on industry testing standards and assist in ensuring compliance with company and industry requirements, including RSL. Supplier and Partner SupportCommunicate with mills, vendors, and suppliers to request samples, technical data, pricing, and MOQ information. Support the management of existing mill and franchise relationships to ensure consistency and improvement. Assist in identifying and evaluating potential new supplier partners. Help compare supplier capabilities, pricing, and lead times to support sourcing decisions. Documentation and Data ManagementMaintain accurate material specifications, pricing, FDS, yardage availability, and technical data sheets. Update material data in internal systems and digital libraries. Organize and maintain physical and digital material libraries and sample archives. Track development timelines, approvals, and follow-ups to support on-time delivery. Cross-Functional CollaborationCollaborate with Design, Merchandising, and Product Development teams to align material selection with seasonal and long-term product strategies. Support Production during material implementation from sample through bulk. Partner with Merchandising and Inventory teams to manage leftover materials for future use. Provide day-to-day support to the Materials/Fabric Development team and assist with project execution. Compliance, Sustainability & Cost TrackingAssist in ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. Support documentation for certifications, audits, and sustainability initiatives. Assist in sourcing and evaluating sustainable or eco-friendly materials. Help track seasonal fabric spend, budgets, and invoice management. Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree preferred; relevant coursework or internships in textiles, materials, or product development a plus. 1-3 years of experience in raw material or product development, or internship experience in apparel/textile industry. Knowledge of fabrics, trims, and basic garment construction. Familiarity with costing, trade regulations, product integrity, testing protocols, and production timelines a plus. Basic understanding of US, Canada, and EU testing and compliance regulations. Proficiency in MS Office Suite and Google applications; exposure to PLM systems preferred. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Eagerness to learn, positive attitude, and collaborative approach. Full Time - 5 days a week in office What you’ll get:Competitive compensation Health, dental, vision, and ancillary benefits 401(k) with company incentive savings plan 10 company holidays annually Discretionary time off policy Career growth and advancement opportunities Clothing discount plus semi-annual gift card allotment Our CommitmentRhone Apparel, Inc is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and make all employment decisions without regard to any protected status.Other details:Job Type: Full TimeReports to: Fabric ManagerLocation: Onsite - Based in Stamford, CT