R&D Manager

A rarely seen R&D manager role has just become available at one of the most respected international company based in Hangzhou China. Report directly to the Hangzhou site GM and lead a team with 9 engineer.

Key Responsibilities:

• fabric research, latest washing/finishing options and product development north china
• covers all product ranges: knit, woven, denim, junior
• research and analysis of existing and potential new suppliers/vendors (mills, yarn, garment manufacturers etc.)
• frequent visits of existing suppliers/vendors and sourcing of potential new ones
• frequent, active contact and exchange with design teams germany
• proactive offer of potential products, styling’s and fabrics from existing or potential suppliers/vendors to german headquarters, matching to customer philosophy and price range
• participation into daily merchandising operation i.e. checking proto, attendance of forecast & selection meeting.
• search market trend information within china mainland (fairs, store checks, suppliers)
• support designers in terms of sourcing and product development and work straight into their requirements
• accompany designers from headquarter during their visit
• coordination with merchandising teams
• lead and train subordinators to fulfill tasks assigned
• any other task assigned by supervisor

Key Requirements:

• foreigner expert with fashion industry background is a must
• strong market and product sense of international fashion brands
• professional knowledge in fabrics, yarns, garment constructions and finishing’s
• ideally, experience in china sourcing market
• excellent communication, motivation and presentation skills
• ability to improve team skills
• good organizational skills and capability to prioritize
• pro-active working approach
• high sense of creativity
• diploma or above in clothing technology, merchandising, textiles, fashion design or similar related subject
• ideally up to 5 years of work experience in comparable position
• perfect, written and spoken english and german
• ideally, good command of written and spoken mandarin
• proficiency in outlook and microsoft office applications
• ideally, knowledge in adobe illustrator & photoshop

About the organisation:

This world-renowned company has been in the industry for almost 100 years. They offer competitive benefits, as well as an industry-leading practice of performance-based bonuses to their employees. Employees also enjoy the freedom and autonomy to design their workday according to their unique styles and needs.