Manager – Fabric Research & Development (Weaving & Processing)

The Manager – Fabric Research & Development (Weaving & Processing) plays a pivotal role in driving the entire raw material development lifecycle with a specialized focus on yarns, weaving, wet processing, dyeing, and printing. This position combines deep textile engineering knowledge with a keen eye for fabric aesthetics to optimize seasonal fabric developments. Acting as a bridge between the fashion design team and the latest chemical processing and finishing technologies, the manager ensures innovative fabric constructions and processing methods align with brand standards and sustainability goals.

Key Responsibilities

Fabric Processing & Technical Innovation: Lead raw material R&D efforts emphasizing yarn formulation to create unique product value. Oversee fabric processing techniques including printing and dyeing, analyzing dye chemistry, liquor ratios, temperature profiles, and machinery capabilities such as jet, jigger, and continuous dyeing. Drive eco-friendly initiatives like waterless dyeing, use of low-impact chemicals, natural dyes, and sustainable finishing processes to support brand sustainability commitments.

Mill Collaboration & Processing Oversight: Collaborate closely with dye houses, printing units, and finishing mills to co-develop exclusive fabric constructions and chemical finishes. Conduct technical audits and process reviews to ensure mills adhere to quality and operational standards. Manage seasonal lab dip approvals, strike-offs, hand feel blankets, and shade bands, establishing clear tolerance limits for bulk production.

Quality Control, Testing & Compliance: Define and enforce physical and chemical testing parameters based on ISO, AATCC, and ASTM standards. Review lab test reports covering colorfastness, dimensional stability, tensile and tear strength, pilling, and chemical residue compliance with frameworks such as REACH, OEKO-TEX, and ZDHC. Troubleshoot technical defects like shade variation, uneven dyeing, tendering, or pilling in collaboration with processing mills.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Design teams to recommend feasible processing options, washes, and finishes that meet target price points and aesthetic goals. Coordinate with Sourcing and Merchandising teams to align raw material lead times with retail calendar deadlines, ensuring timely product launches.

Required Qualifications

A Bachelor of Science degree in Textile Engineering, Textile Processing, or Wet Processing Technology is essential. Candidates should have 8 to 10+ years of hands-on experience within local fashion ladies brands, export brands, buying houses, R&D departments, weaving mills, or processing units. Strong technical expertise in textile wet processing—including dyeing, printing, preparation, and functional finishing—is required, along with a solid understanding of fiber chemistry and yarn properties.

Proficiency in testing and compliance standards such as AATCC, ASTM, ISO, and chemical compliance frameworks like REACH, OEKO-TEX, and GOTS is critical. The role demands excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, root-cause defect analysis capabilities, vendor negotiation experience, and strong project management acumen.

This position is based within the Product Development & Merchandising department at the Head Office and Factory locations. It offers a permanent employment opportunity for candidates with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the retail and apparel fashion industry.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the company’s official career portal.