Sourcing Assistant at Swimwear Anywhere Inc. Sourcing Assistant at Swimwear Anywhere Inc. in Farmingdale, New York Posted in 1 day ago.

Type:

full-time

POSITION SUMMARY

The Sourcing Assistant supports the Fabric and Trim Sourcing Manager with the sourcing and development of trims and fabrics for Swimwear Anywhere's brands. This position is responsible for coordinating assigned fabric and trim sourcing activities, maintaining accurate sourcing information, tracking fabric and trim submissions and approvals, supporting vendor communication, and helping ensure sourcing activities remain on schedule. The Assistant Sourcing Manager will work closely with the Fabric and Trim Sourcing Manager, Product Development, Design, Color, Production, and overseas vendors to support the sourcing and development of fabrics that meet product requirements for quality, performance, aesthetics, availability, and cost. This role is ideal for someone who is highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and interested in building their knowledge and career in fabric sourcing and the apparel industry.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support the Fabric and Trim Sourcing Manager in managing assigned sourcing and development activities from initial sourcing through approval. Maintain and monitor seasonal fabric and trim sourcing calendars, timelines, milestones, and key deadlines. Track assigned fabrics and trims, sourcing activities, submissions, approvals, and outstanding items to ensure projects remain on schedule. Maintain accurate and up-to-date fabric and trim information, sourcing status, and documentation in spreadsheets, and applicable systems. Assist with maintaining and developing seasonal fabric libraries, sourcing resources, and reference materials. Work with print and cad department to facilitate sending solids and prints to appropriate mills for development. Coordinate and organize the tracking of fabric swatches, submissions, lab dips, strike-offs, and other materials. Track fabric and trim submissions, comments, revisions, approvals, and outstanding requests. Communicate and follow up with fabric mills, vendors, agents, and overseas partners regarding sourcing requests, samples, materials, pricing, availability, lead times, approvals, and deadlines as directed by the Fabric and Trim Sourcing Manager. Assist with gathering and maintaining fabric pricing, minimum order quantities, lead times, price negotiations and other vendor information. Assist with reviewing fabric submissions for details such as color, hand feel, construction, performance, quality, and overall appearance. Maintain organized physical and digital records of trims, fabrics, vendors, submissions, approvals, pricing, and sourcing history. Be prepared to communicate status with all internal teams. Support competitive shopping, retail research, trade shows, and other research to develop an understanding of current fabric, material, and fashion trends. Research new trims, fabrics, finishes, textile innovations, and sourcing opportunities. Develop an understanding of fabric types, constructions, finishes, performance characteristics, quality, costing, and the relationship between fabric selection and product requirements. Assist the Fabric & Trim Sourcing Manager with special projects and other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Fashion, Textiles, Merchandising, or a related field preferred. 1-3 years of experience in fabric sourcing, textiles, apparel, product development, or a related field. Strong knowledge and interest in fabrics, textiles, swimwear, and the apparel industry. Strong understanding of fabric types, construction, finishes, performance, quality, and costing. Extremely organized with strong attention to detail and follow-through. Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage multiple projects, vendors, priorities, and deadlines. Comfortable working with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications. Experience with PLM or other product development systems is a plus. Ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, vendors, mills, and overseas partners. Proactive, collaborative, and solutions-oriented approach. Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Willingness to take on increased responsibility within the fabric sourcing function. Color experience is a plus.