Job
Description
The Fabric Optimisation Lead plays a crucial role in bringing the customer offer to life by establishing direct mill partnerships for all core raw materials. This initiative aims to simplify processes, reduce costs, improve lead times, and enhance quality for a large volume value retailer. In this role, you will be responsible for various key accountabilities: Strategy, Insights & Customer: - Translate strategic goals into actionable plans for driving Raw Material strategy and execution for own brand product ranges. Resource Management: - Identify and onboard Raw Material supply partners to optimize simplification, cost, and lead times. - Implement Fabric mill onboarding procedures and procurement processes aligned with Quality and Group standards. - Manage Raw Material procurement and allocation at the supplier partner level. - Establish fabric standards ahead of the season to optimize cost, quality, and lead time. - Streamline the material supply chain by seeking opportunities to simplify, reduce complexity, and enhance efficiency. Raw Material Standards: - Define Fabric quality and standards to meet cost, lead time, and quality requirements. - Maintain a comprehensive Raw Material standards library in both digital and physical formats across Asia and Australia offices. - Continuously evaluate materials used in ranges to drive quality, consolidation, cost, and lead time improvements. - Manage fabric forecasting and supplier level allocation for cost, quality, lead time, and simplification optimization. Raw Material Negotiation and Utilisation: - Set benchmark standards for fabric consumption and application of Raw Materials into product ranges. - Understand the balance between cost and quality across core material standards. - Drive the transition from FOB-based cost negotiation to a component-based model. Quality: - Establish Raw Material quality standards aligned with Big W requirements. - Uphold quality standards and technical performance requirements for Raw Materials. - Provide technical and commercial expertise to troubleshoot issues and find solutions. - Collaborate with mills to establish colour and print approval processes and standards. Stakeholder Engagement: - Coordinate relationships between sourcing merchandising teams and suppliers. - Collaborate with Design, Sourcing, Category, and suppliers to optimize Raw Material application in product ranges. - Partner with Quality and sustainability teams to achieve sustainability goals. - Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, Material Suppliers, and Garment Vendors. Continuous Improvement: - Strengthen capability, consistency, and efficiency in processes. - Support the shift from FOB-based model to a component-based model. Technical Skills and Problem-Solving: - Provide technical expertise to troubleshoot and deliver optimal outcomes. - Demonstrate strong influencing, negotiation, and people skills. - Drive results, embrace change, and explore updated market practices. Core Career Experiences: - Formal qualification in Textile Engineering or Textile Technology. - 7-10 years of experience in a Textile/Raw Material/Fabric role within a medium-large volume retail business. - Expertise in Raw Material supply chain, cut & sew, woven, and denim fabrications. - Proficiency in Supplier sourcing and relationship management. - Strong communication skills and attention to detail. Behaviours: - Customer Focus: Prioritize customer needs in decision-making. - Commercial Acumen: Combine commercial analytical ability with technical knowledge. - People Management: Identify talent, create career paths, and plan for succession. - Stakeholder Management: Influence and engage positively with others. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): - Sales - Profit - Voice of Customer (VOC) - Voice of Stakeholder (VOS) - Voice of Team (VOT) Overall, the Fabric Optimisation Lead plays a vital role in optimizing raw material processes, quality, and costs to enhance the customer offer and drive business success.,
