Product Development Manager Technical Weave

Burlington Industries - Rockingham, NC

Full-time - Mid Level

Rockingham, NC

10,001+ employees

Textile Mills

About the position

Elevate Textiles is a leading global manufacturer of fabric and thread solutions focused on innovation, sustainability, and quality craftsmanship. The Elevate portfolio of brands includes American & Efird (A&E), Burlington, Cone Denim, Gutermann, and Safety Components. Elevate Textiles is committed to delivering solutions that protect and enhance our lives through its global manufacturing platform that includes 35 facilities and over 15,000 employees. Elevate is looking for a Product Development Manager - Technical Weave to work as part of its Burlington division based out of Rockingham, NC. In this position, you will work as part of the Burlington division Product Development group and be responsible for the development and technical support of all synthetic and worsted wool fabrics for apparel and contract interior products. The position is based out of the division's synthetic weave operation and coordinates closely with manufacturing. This role requires advanced technical knowledge of weave constructions, weave design capability, fabric analysis, and an in-depth operational knowledge of Rapier and Water Jet looms. As a Product Development Manager, you will develop weave constructions for new products while working closely with the product development team, sales, and manufacturing. You will determine the proper loom setup for all styles and loom types, including setting up specification sheets and updating and entering information into the loom electronic system. Additionally, you will interpret and maintain product development and manufacturing systems related to loom constructions, draw-in draft and pattern, yarn categories, and loom speed and efficiency specifications. You will manage sample production, including scheduling priorities, machine time, and weekly equipment maintenance and cleaning protocols for specific equipment. Furthermore, you will manage fabric analysis by submitting fabrics to internal and external labs for analysis, reviewing the results, making recommendations, and coordinating analysis and communications with appropriate stakeholders. Lastly, you will provide technical and consultative support to plant management related to quality issues, quality improvement, and prevention programs, assisting with cost reduction and continuous improvement projects related to the weaving process.

Responsibilities

• Develop weave constructions for new products working closely with product development team, sales and manufacturing.
• Determine proper loom set up for all styles and loom types to include setting up specification sheets and updating and entering information into loom electronic system.
• Interpret and maintain product development and manufacturing systems related to loom constructions, draw-in draft and pattern, yarn categories, and loom speed and efficiency specifications.
• Manage sample production to include scheduling priorities, machine time and weekly equipment maintenance and cleaning protocols for specific equipment.
• Manage fabric analysis to include submitting fabrics to internal and external labs for analysis, reviewing result of analysis and making recommendations, and coordinating analysis and communications with appropriate stakeholders.
• Provide technical and consultative support to plant management related to quality issues, quality improvement and prevention programs. Assist with cost reduction and continuous improvement projects related to weaving process.

Requirements

• 10+ years of relevant experience preferred, highly qualified candidates with less experience will be considered.
• Bachelor's degree in Textile specific area, Operations or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Proficient knowledge of technical weaving, fabric constructions, synthetic, worsted and blended fabrics.
• Self-motivator and willing to learn without direct supervision.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, problem solving, and organizational skills; attention to detail; and ability to coordinate multiple tasks, set priorities and meet deadlines.