At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fabric development for stylish apparel, ensuring quality and innovation.
- Company: Join Oroton, a leading Australian lifestyle brand with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, recharge days, learning opportunities, and generous discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fashion while driving innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in fabric sourcing and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 82800 - 101200 $ per year.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced Fabric Development Manager to lead Oroton's apparel fabric development strategy across Womenswear and Menswear.
This role will be based in our Melbourne Design Studio, reporting in to the Senior Designer - Apparel and working as a key collaborator across the Design function.
This role acts as the critical link between Design, Merchandising and Production, ensuring fabrics are developed, sourced and nominated in line with quality, compliance, commercial and critical path requirements.
Bringing deep technical expertise and strong commercial judgement, you'll play a key role in delivering innovative, high-quality products while driving consistency, efficiency and continuous improvement across the development process.
Responsibilities
- Lead fabric sourcing, development and nomination across Womenswear and Menswear, balancing quality, compliance and commercial outcomes.
- Execute Oroton's fabric strategy, driving sourcing efficiencies, fabric consolidation and strong product outcomes.
- Manage fabric approvals, testing and development activities through to bulk handover.
- Maintain accurate fabric data, coding and documentation to support visibility and governance across the development lifecycle.
- Partner closely with Design, Merchandising, Production and ESG teams to deliver fabrics that meet creative, commercial and compliance requirements.
- Drive critical path management, process improvement and the implementation of systems and tools that enhance development efficiency.
- Lead and develop the Pattern Maker while fostering collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement across the Design Room.
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience in fabric development, sourcing and apparel product development.
- Strong technical knowledge of fabric construction, testing, compliance, certifications and responsible sourcing practices.
- Demonstrated experience managing critical paths, supplier relationships and development timelines.
- Commercial acumen with the ability to balance quality, cost, lead time and sourcing requirements.
- Strong project management skills, attention to detail and a highly organised approach.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence across Design, Merchandising and Production teams.
- A collaborative leadership style with experience building capability and driving accountability.
- A passion for product, innovation and delivering exceptional outcomes in a fast-paced retail environment.
Benefits and Culture
In joining Oroton, you'll become part of a talented and collaborative team committed to the ongoing success of one of Australia's most iconic lifestyle brands. You will also enjoy:
- Hybrid working arrangements
- 4 Recharge Days per year, in addition to annual leave
- Birthday leave
- Learning and development opportunities
- Generous product discounts and lifestyle benefits
- 12 weeks Paid Parental Leave for eligible team members
- Access to wellbeing initiatives and our Employee Assistance Program
Please note: Only applicants with full Australian working rights will be considered.
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Fabric Development Manager in Sydney employer: Oroton
Oroton is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture that values collaboration and personal growth. As a Customer Experience Specialist at our new Sunshine Plaza Boutique, you'll enjoy competitive remuneration, exclusive product discounts, and access to wellness perks, all while being part of a team that prioritises delivering memorable customer experiences. With structured training and opportunities for career advancement, Oroton is committed to nurturing your professional journey in a dynamic retail environment.
