Raw Materials Production Specialist
Article, China
Job Description
Hey, we’re Article. We’re a digital-first furniture brand that’s working to make everyday living better by providing an easy way for people to furnish their space. We don’t have brick and mortar stores, so we’re able to deliver better value on beautiful, modern furniture. Recently named one of Canada’s fastest growing companies for the second year in a row, we’re on the hunt for talented, enthusiastic team members to join us at our headquarters in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia.
The Raw Materials Team, Vancouver
In collaboration with sourcing and vendor partners, the raw materials team transforms design concepts into reality, researches new raw material solutions, and develops textiles, leather and hard materials, colour and finishes that our customers love, while meeting Article’s quality and compliance standards and in line with Article’s sustainability and environmental responsibility goals.
We’re looking for a Raw Materials Production Specialist based in Shanghai, China to facilitate the commercialization of fabric and leather materials working closely with our mill and tannery partners.
The Raw Materials Production Coordinator will connect closely with Raw Materials Development, Product Development, Product Operations, Quality, Planning and Sourcing teams, as well as the external raw material suppliers and manufacturing partners in order to successfully deliver new materials.
The Raw Materials Production Specialist is an essential contributor to the Article team. Responsibilities and daily tasks include:
Roles and Responsibilities
- Build relationships and rapport with the mills/tanneries, understand their capabilities and strengths and provide feedback and recommendations to the RM Development team for future developments.
- Visit suppliers frequently to verify production statuses, check quality processes, roll out new initiatives, collect feedback, train and educate on-site production and QC teams.
- Create and maintain mill/tannery visit reports, CAPs (Corrective Action Plans) and recommendations for improvements.
- Partner with the Raw Material Developers, Quality and Compliance to set and maintain quality standards and testing protocols for all material types.
- Partner with RM Planning to follow the WIP reports maintained by the RM suppliers. Course correct projects that fall behind schedule. Develop solutions to promote on time delivery.
- Facilitate communication with the RM suppliers and cross functional teams that provide insight and foresight into issues, and be proactive in creating solutions for delivery issues without compromising quality or relationships with suppliers.
- Support the RM Development team with commercialization of new fabrics and leather that meet the determined technical and quality standards that are appropriate to deliver the highest level of customer satisfaction, while ensuring alignment to Article’s product and sourcing strategy
- Provide technical support for the raw material and product development teams on fabric construction and on the technical capability of vendors to deliver the products required
- Set shade bands and master hand standards with RM Development team to support the bulk approval process and distribute to manufacturing partners.
- Source, vet, schedule audits and Onboard new suppliers as directed by RM Manager and Sourcing teams.
- Perform bulk material approvals as needed
- Possess the ability to interpret the RM developer needs and communicate effectively and efficiently with all suppliers
- Possess the ability to travel as required to work directly with the mills and tanneries throughout Asia and Europe
Requirements
- University/College Degree required in textiles science and textiles (We will consider candidates without a degree if the Industry experience demonstrates a strong technical background in Raw Materials)
- 5+ years in the textile industry with a working knowledge of raw materials production and supply chain
- Experience working directly with mills and tanneries
- Strong knowledge of development techniques, (process/equipment etc.) for fabrics and leather
- Strong technical knowledge gained in a manufacturing environment covering all areas of textiles from fibres, yarn, material construction and finishes, leather expertise is a bonus
- Strong knowledge of industry testing standards/test reports
- Strong knowledge of cross-functional team accountabilities and requirements, including design, sourcing, and quality assurance
- Accustomed to working in a fast-paced environment with a dynamic workflow
- Fluent in both Mandarin Chinese and English
Benefits
We want Article to be an amazing place to work, and we do our part to take care of our team. In addition to