Assistant - Apparel, Raw Materials

Our client, Canada's largest retailer, currently has an opening in its team for an Assistant to support the Manager, Raw Materials, in its apparel division.

Reports to: Manager - Raw Materials

Location: Liberty Village, Toronto - 4 days in office

Start Date: ASAP

Duration: 3 months to start

The Assistant, Raw Materials, will provide timely support in tracking & executing activities for the Raw Material Team according to the apparel division policies and procedures. This is an exciting opportunity for a candidate to work for a national brand in Canada's largest retail enterprise.

Responsibilities:

Raw material Sourcing, development & Strategy

1. Support raw material source and development activities in line with strategy

2. Track daily progress of fabric sourcing and development

3. Maintain accurate data, documentation, and sample tracking

4. Follow up with mills/vendors to ensure timelines are met.

5. Escalate risks or delays to Assistant Manager

6. Deliver execution support to activities as requested by superior

Supplier (Vendor/Mill) Management and Cross-Functional Interaction

1. Work with mills and vendors to arrange required material qualities and samples for timely submissions

2. Support cost validation activities, including cost quote entries into PLM

3. Maintain supplier records and documentation (material forms, R&D trackers, etc.) diligently

4. Track basic development status and follow up on sample/delivery timelines

5. Provide input data support for supplier performance and development tracking

6. Escalate issues to Assistant Manager when needed

Materials Library Management (Physical/digital)

1. Maintain physical library organization for approved and developmental fabrics (filing, labeling, storage).

2. Create and update core and seasonal approved quality binders for office and offshore teams

3. Support team in locating appropriate materials from the library

4. Update material data in PLM and ensure basic data accuracy

The client is seeking someone who has worked in:

• Apparel brands (backend operations preferred)
• Fabric/raw materials departments
• Importing/apparel sourcing environments
• Roles such as:
• Raw Materials Assistant
• Fabric Assistant
• Fabric Coordinator
• Sourcing Assistant
• Import Coordinator (apparel/fabric related)

Must Have:

1. Strong knowledge of fabric sourcing / manufacturing / raw materials / wholesale or garment manufacturing
2. 1-3 years of experience working with an apparel or fashion brand on the back end. Understanding of apparel imports/sourcing processes, or similar experience / education. Understanding of fabric specifications, and how swatches are organized.

*Note: Hands on training will be provided