LEE / KONTOOR BRANDS | Fabric R&D Manager 2019 - 2021 Championed new processes and ways of working in fabric development, innovation and R&D. Increased sustainable fiber adoption and water reduction efforts across the brand. Responsible for managing, leading and growing the fabric R&D process and pipeline calendar development in fabric for the Lee brand for mens and womens. I managed the development, sourcing, and initial price negotiations seasonally to support regional fabric strategies. Develop and maintain fabric library, supplier relationships, and identify functional and departmental strategies. Provide technical expertise in fabric, trim and wash development at all stages of the product pipeline and partner with QA for testing analysis to ensure all standards of compliance and brand esthetics were met. Provided on-trend fabric and wash direction seasonally and managed the mill week process, bookings and share out to internal business partners, merchandising and design, agents and mill partners for seasonal fabric and wash development. Responsible for managing calendar deadlines, and development tracking, as well as daily communication with overseas agents, mills and cross-functional teams - design, merchandising and production to influence and drive strategies to achieve cost, innovation, sustainability and aesthetic targets. GYMBOREE | Fabric R&D and Denim Wash Development Manager 2016 – 2017 Responsible for managing, leading and growing a team that handles fabric, wash and denim development for all Gymboree brands. I managed the development, sourcing, capacity, analysis and pricing negotiations seasonally to support regional fabric strategies for production placement. Developed and maintained fabric supplier and agent relationships and identify functional and departmental strategies. Provide technical expertise in fabric, trim and wash development at all stages of the product pipeline and testing analysis to ensure all standards of compliance and brand esthetics were met. Provide on-trend fabric and wash direction bi-yearly to internal business partners, merchandising and design, agents and mill partners for seasonal fabric and wash development. Responsible for managing calendar deadlines, and development tracking, as well as the handling of daily communication with overseas agents, mills and cross-functional teams - design, merchandising and production to influence and drive strategies to achieve cost and aesthetic targets. Please view resume for complete professional experience.