The R&D Manager – Fashion will be responsible for leading the development of innovative and trend-driven fashion products. This role involves overseeing the research, design, and implementation of new materials, styles, and garment technologies while ensuring market competitiveness and sustainability. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in fashion design, textile innovation, and garment production processes.
Key Responsibilities: Product Development & Trend Analysis:
Lead the research and development of new fashion collections, ensuring innovation and market relevance.
Identify and evaluate new fabrics, trims, and embellishments to enhance product aesthetics and functionality.
Collaborate with designers and stylists to create fashion-forward, wearable solutions.
Integrate sustainable and ethical production methods into the development process.
Technical Expertise & Material Research:
Stay updated on advancements in textile technology, digital fashion, and sustainable materials.
Analyze material properties and recommend the best options for specific fashion applications.
Conduct laboratory and wear tests to validate fabric and garment performance.
Process Improvement & Quality Assurance:
Develop and implement best practices for improving design efficiency and garment quality.
Ensure compliance with industry standards and certifications related to fashion and textile production.
Work closely with production and quality control teams to address manufacturing challenges and optimize processes.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:
Liaise with suppliers, vendors, and manufacturers to source and test new materials.
Partner with marketing and sales teams to align product development with market demands and customer preferences.
Provide technical support to internal teams and clients on fashion product innovations.
Project Management & Documentation:
Oversee R&D projects from concept to commercialization, ensuring timely delivery and cost efficiency.
Maintain technical documentation, trend research reports, and product specifications.
Prepare presentations and reports for management and stakeholders on R&D progress and innovations.
Qualifications & Experience:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Fashion Design, Textile Engineering, Material Science, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in research and development, preferably in the fashion or apparel industry.
Strong knowledge of fabric properties, textile testing, and garment manufacturing processes.
Familiarity with industry trends, fashion forecasting, and sustainable fashion practices.
Experience with CAD software and other fashion design tools is a plus.
Skills & Competencies:
Creativity & Innovation: Ability to develop trend-setting fashion solutions.
Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of textiles, materials, and garment construction.
Project Management: Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
Collaboration: Ability to work cross-functionally with various departments and external partners.
Analytical Thinking: Problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reporting and stakeholder engagement.
Dekalb Trade Voice is the manufacturer and exporter of Apparel and Gloves. Dekalb Industries has been making leather goods for more than 20years. Beginning with gloves, Dekalb Trade Voice later expanded its offerings to the retail markets with Fashion and Sports garments. Over the past decade, nationally and internationally recognized levels of quality have been achieved. The whole leather tanning process is specially controlled in our tannery by using advanced technology to ensure the minimum environmental impact. Quality and Service are always a priority at Dekalb Trade Voice, we have never lost sight of the personal attention each individual customer deserves. We offer excellent service with the most competitive pricing. Our knowledgeable, friendly staff will be delighted to answer any questions regarding our products. Dekalb Trade Voice Chief Executive