Raw Materials Manager

Galvan is a modern luxury brand celebrated for its refined design, exceptional craftsmanship, and commitment to quality. We are seeking a highly organised, detail-oriented Raw Materials Manager to take ownership of all fabric, trim, print, and embellishment sourcing and development for the brand. This role is pivotal in ensuring that our raw materials meet our aesthetic, quality, and sustainability standards while supporting seasonal range plans, budgets, and critical paths.

Role Overview
The Raw Materials Manager will be responsible for sourcing, developing, and procuring all raw materials used across Galvan’s collections. Working in close partnership with Design, Product Development, and the Creative Director, you will ensure that every fabric, trim, print, and embellishment aligns with the brand’s creative vision, quality expectations, and commercial targets. This role requires strong supplier relationships, sharp negotiation skills, and the ability to manage complex timelines from concept to production.

Key Responsibilities

Sourcing & Procurement

• Lead the sourcing and selection of fabrics, trims, prints, and embellishments in line with seasonal range plans and budgets.
• Identify and onboard new mills, trim suppliers, and embellishment artisans that meet Galvan’s quality and sustainability criteria.
• Negotiate prices, minimums, and lead times to ensure cost efficiency without compromising quality.

Development

• Oversee development of all raw materials for both sampling and production stages.
• Manage print and embellishment development with external consultants - from concept, artwork approval, and strike-off sampling through to production-ready quality.
• Ensure all lab dips, strike-offs, bulk colour standards, and quality approvals are in place on time.
• Maintain and curate Galvan’s fabric library, ensuring accurate labelling and accessibility for internal teams.
• Seasonally explore and develop new techniques and innovations, balancing fresh ideas with the continuity of Galvan’s signature fabrications.

Planning & Budget Management

• Work to seasonal fabric range plans and budget parameters set by the Product Development & Production Director.
• Maintain accurate material cost sheets and ensure alignment with margin targets.

Critical Path & Timelines

• Manage the seasonal raw materials critical path, ensuring all milestones are met.
• Flag potential risks or delays early and implement solutions to keep development and production on track.

Collaboration

• Partner closely with Design to source and develop materials that achieve the creative vision.
• Collaborate with PD and Production to ensure materials meet manufacturing requirements and timelines.
• Liaise with the Creative Director for sign-off on key fabrics, prints, and embellishments.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all materials meet Galvan’s quality standards, including testing where required.
• Work with suppliers to address any QC issues promptly and effectively.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in a raw materials sourcing or fabric development role, ideally in luxury or premium fashion.
• Strong knowledge of both woven and knit fabrics, trims, and embellishment techniques.
• Proven track record of managing seasonal sourcing and development to a budget and critical path.
• Excellent negotiation skills and experience managing supplier relationships.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Zedonk for tracking, data management, and reporting.
• Experience with print development and embellishment techniques within a luxury context.
• Knowledge of sustainable and innovative textile solutions.
• Experience working with European and international suppliers.

Personal Attributes

• Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Passionate about textiles, craftsmanship, and quality.
• Solution-oriented with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.