Chief Fabric Development Specialist

We are seeking a highly experienced and passionate Senior Fabric Technologist to lead and support the development, selection, testing, and approval of textiles used across our apparel and soft home categories.

• This role is pivotal in ensuring our fabrics meet design intent, quality performance, sustainability standards, and commercial viability, all while balancing innovation, trend, and technical precision.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Providing technical support on fabric and trims across apparel and soft home.
• Leading the review and management of technical standards to ensure market relevance.
• Aligning colour approval processes across business groups and providing training as needed.
• Partnering with ANKO to define best practices for lab dip, strike-off, and knitdown submissions.
• Collaborating with technical designers to ensure fabric quality aligns with design aesthetics and customer expectations.
• Supporting fabric sourcing and development in partnership with ANKO Sourcing.
• Managing and governing the fabric library at Target Head Office and within GBSS.
• Working with sustainability teams to ensure traceability and certification requirements are met.
• Advising buyers and designers on correct fabric selection to meet specifications and performance needs.
• Mentoring and supporting the Fabric Assistant.
• Conducting regular store audits to identify and resolve fabric-related issues.
• Ensuring product claims (e.g. Organic, Australian Cotton) are supported by valid certifications.
• Defining and executing fabric strategy for apparel and soft home.
• Improving customer perception of fabric quality and consistency.
• Reducing return rates due to faulty fabrics.
• Producing store audit reports and sharing insights with ANKO.

Requirements:

• Tertiary qualification in Textile Technology or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in a relevant textiles role.
• At least 5 years' experience managing team members.
• Background in apparel manufacturing or fabric mill experience is highly desirable.
• Hands-on experience in fabric sourcing, development, manufacturing processes, and quality control.
• Extensive knowledge of fibres, yarns, knitting, weaving, dyeing, printing, and finishing techniques.
• Strong understanding of colour processes, wash/finishing, and fabric performance.
• Experience working in diverse, multilingual, and multicultural environments.

Desirable Skills:

• High degree of textile technical ability and commercial acumen.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills.
• Outstanding communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage conflicting deadlines and competing priorities.
• Highly motivated, detail-oriented, and organized.
• Understanding of fabric price architecture and market dynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct risk assessments and ensure fabrics are fit for purpose.
• A team player who thrives in a fast-paced, creative environment.

• Flexible hybrid working options through our Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well policy.
• Access to our team member discount program which can be used across our company network.
• Free OnePass membership offering free delivery across Target and Kmart on eligible product.
• Access to our benefits program, which entitles you to exclusive discounts and benefits in the areas of entertainment, travel, lifestyle, and health.
• Opportunity for eligible team members to participate in a bonus program.
• Free onsite parking when required to come into the office.
• Inclusive parental leave and ongoing support through our partnership with Circle In for team members of all backgrounds and family circumstances.
• Dynamic learning and support program.
• Opportunity to fast-track your career through our Mentor Program as a Mentee or Mentor.
• Kudos recognition program, where nominated by peers to win prizes.
• Opportunity to purchase shares through a salary sacrifice arrangement.
• Great career opportunities across the broader Wesfarmers Group.