Leather R&D/Sourcing Manager – Handbags

Our Story
Simply put, we make great jeans and all the cool stuff you wear with them. And, beyond our devotion to premium denim, we believe in putting people and planet first in everything we do from our commitment to sustainable production to our focus on broadening opportunity and building belonging.
Whether you’re taking the first step in your career or are looking for an exciting new opportunity, we have a wide array of challenging and creative roles for you. We foster a collaborative, community-driven and innovative environment in our stores, home office, and distribution and call centers. Want in?
We’re proud to have been recognized as an industry leader in:

• America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity (Newsweek, 2023)
• Best Employers for New Grads (Forbes, 2022)
• Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality (The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, 2022)
• Best Employers for Diversity (Forbes, 2022)
• America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women (Newsweek, 2023)

The Role + Purpose:
Communication Skills

• Correspond with cross functional department associates and agents/ direct vendors on product issues
• Articulate deadlines and track approvals for On Time Delivery
• Interact with cross functional teams from initial concept stages through delivery
• Relationship building with strategic Vendors/Factories
• Detail in-season Production and time / action meetings with cross functional partners
• Correspond with internal and overseas partners on technical aspects on construction and make of a garment.

PD & Production Skills

• Attend seasonal design presentations and all related meetings.
• Manage Seasonal R&D for new leather articles direct with Design and Tannery and overseas office.
• Manage all late adds for lab dips and handlooms directly with tanneries/mills.
• Monitor production and material minimum order quantity issues. Maintain and manage liability reports.
• Manage Proto and Presentation sample requests (such as sending out packages, generating tech packs & vendor follow up questions). Track samples to ensure the ETA deadlines are met, follow up with costing and TAC for all styles.
• Collect time and action information to ensure adherence to the Corporate Production Calendar
• Initiate and maintain all cost sheets, negotiate costing at factory level, review cost breakdowns
• Review Production reports to ensure accuracy and integrity of product maintenance
• Monitor all aspects of Production procedures are followed accordingly
• Manage seasonal photo samples to ensure on time delivery.
• Communicate initial projections with FOB cost targets to vendors. Send any counter-costing packages to vendors when necessary.

Operational Skills

• Maintain a Production Development Report (PDR) to include current style detail information
• Evaluate all department systems to ensure quality consistency and efficiency
• Assist in sourcing strategies set by supervisor and department head
• Attend all fit sessions to ensure proper measurements are met and sample corrections are made with the Fit Process and timelines to maintain photo sample and bulk delivery
• Monitor all testing procedures on fabric, yarn, trim and finished garments

Management Skills

• Motivate, develop and orient staff members while supporting team building elements
• Interface with Cross functional teams to ensure Product Development & Production deadlines are met on a timely basis
• Oversee all Development & Production functions for Handbags & Belts

Qualifications:

• Experience in costing and understanding of leathers & handbags specifically
• Strong vendor negotiation and relationship building experience
• Expertise in time and action calendars
• 6+ years of production experience in a related field
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite and PLM
• Bachelors degree
• Ability to manage a direct report

We welcome you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes. Our passion is scouting life-long learners who are driven by curiosity, and who feel connected to our brands and share our desire to make an impact. We’re always seeking bright new talent who leverage their unique experiences to discover, grow and evolve with our teams.
Benefits + Perks

• Winter Break - In addition to our PTO package, J.Crew Group offers a winter break at the end of December to eligible full-time associates at the Home Office to provide time to refresh and recharge.
• Community Impact - We support the communities where we live and work through our philanthropic efforts and the J.Crew Cares Program.
• Flex Fridays - In addition to our hybrid work model, we also close our office at 1:00 PM every Friday year-round.
• Health & Well-being - Eligible associates and family members receive medical, dental, prescription and vision insurance, family planning (fertility, adoption & surrogacy support), fitness discounts, medical travel and more.
• Associate Discount - We love our products just as much as you do! That’s why we offer a great associate discount across all of our brands (J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, and Madewell).

Note: Availability of these benefits and perks may be subject to work location & employment type and may have certain eligibility requirements.
Salary Range: $86,400.00 - $129,600.00
At J.Crew Group (JCG) we aim to pay competitively for our company’s size and industry. The base salary offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region of work premises, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. The base salary is just one component of J.Crew Group’s competitive total rewards strategy that also includes the opportunity for bonus, competitive benefits and perks.
One of our core focuses here at JCG is creating a community and culture that builds belonging. We are deeply committed to our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, and we warmly welcome job applicants of all backgrounds.
JCG is proud to affirmatively provide equal opportunity to all associates and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or citizenship, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, legally protected physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other basis protected under applicable law.