FABRIC R&D MANAGER | Men's & Women's Championed new processes and ways of working in fabric development, innovation and R&D. Increased sustainable fiber adoption and water reduction efforts across the brand. Responsible for managing, leading and growing the fabric R&D process and pipeline calendar development in fabric for the Lee brand for men’s and women’s. I managed the development, sourcing, and initial price negotiations seasonally to support regional fabric strategies. Developed and maintained fabric library, supplier relationships, and identified functional and departmental strategies. Provided technical expertise in fabric, trim and wash development at all stages of the product pipeline and partner with QA ensure all standards of compliance and brand esthetics were met. Provided on-trend fabric and wash direction seasonally and managed the mill week process, bookings and share out to internal business partners, merchandising, design, agents and mill partners for seasonal fabric and wash development. Responsible for managing calendar deadlines, and development tracking, as well as daily communication with overseas agents, mills and cross-functional teams – design, merchandising and production; to influence and drive strategies to achieve cost, innovation, sustainability and aesthetic targets.