FABRIC R&D ASSISTANT

POSITION OVERVIEW:The fabric R&D Assistant is responsible for fabric sourcing, development and design, consistent with the company’s vision and brand strategy.  RESPONSIBILITIES: Research and Development·        Research fabric qualities based on Sales/Merchandising feedback.·        Work closely with Sales, Merchandising and Production to update pricing, care and sourcing issues.·        Maintain seasonal fabric binders with swatches, fabric detail sheets and mill cards.·        Manage prototype development process in partnership with Technical and CAD/Graphics.·        Assist with fabric and trim yardage buying necessary prototypes and samples.·        Track all development submissions and samples.·        Create and manage line-lists and help set up showroom for Market week.·        Communicate with overseas factories and mills to resolve pending issues and ensure deadlines are on target.·        Collaborate with Production and Technical Design to provide all fabric information such as Solid/Printed Prices, MOQs per color, Surcharges (if any), Fabric Content, COO, Lead-times, etc. Design Development·        Assist in the concept process; create seasonal story boards to communicate overall concept internally·        Research market trends, color, raw materials and trims·        Assist with finalizing color palette and print direction·        Assist in creating initial technical packages for overseas proto development as well as purchasing specs/ TPs for bulk production.·        Manage approval of lab dips and strike offs for development and production·        Work with Print Design for print packages for development·        Execute CADs for line-list·        Additional responsibilities as required  · QUALIFICATIONS:  ·        BFA, B.S. in Fashion Design or equivalent·        Strong knowledge of Illustrator and Photoshop Program; Kaledo is a plus·        Basic computer skills and knowledge in Microsoft Office, Excel, Word and PowerPoint, Adobe·        Excellent hand sketching / digital sketching and illustration ability·        Strong technical knowledge of garment construction and fit·        Ability to communicate clearly using fabric/merchandising/garment construction terminology and skills both written and verbal·  1-2 years of experience in Fashion Design and/or Product Development· Salary of $47,000.00 to $50,000.00 based on experience.ABOUT:The Natori Company (www.natori.com) designs high-end fashion, with collections including lingerie, bras, sleepwear, ready-to-wear, bedding, towels, home fragrance, swim, and more. The company was founded in 1977 by CEO and founder Josie Natori, who continues to be the head designer for the Josie Natori, Natori, Josie, and N Natori labels.