Head of Knitted Fabric R&D

This position is with Fulcrum, an ISO 9001:2015 certified company serving over 400 clients across multiple industries.

Position Overview:

The Head of Knitted Fabric R&D is responsible for leading and managing the research and development activities for knitted fabrics. This position plays a crucial role in driving innovation, developing new products, and improving existing processes to meet market demands and enhance competitive advantage. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in textile engineering, strong leadership capabilities, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of textile technology.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the R&D team in developing new knitted fabric technologies and innovations.
• Oversee the design, testing, and prototyping of new fabric materials.
• Collaborate with product design and development teams to integrate new fabrics into products.
• Conduct market research to identify trends in fabric technology and potential areas of growth.
• Manage and mentor a team of R&D professionals to achieve strategic goals.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors to access the latest materials and technologies.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations in the development of new fabrics.
• Develop and manage the R&D budget, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources.
• Present findings and innovations to senior management for product development initiatives.
• Monitor industry developments and emerging technologies to ensure the company remains at the forefront of fabric innovation.

Requirements:

• Over 10 years of experience in textile engineering, with a focus on knitted fabrics.
• Proven track record in leading and managing R&D teams.
• Strong understanding of textile production processes and material properties.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically about fabric development and innovation.
• Excellent project management skills and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration across departments.
• Experience with budget management and resource allocation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Textile Engineering, Material Science, or a related field; Advanced degree preferred.
• Extensive experience in R&D within the textile industry, specifically with knitted fabrics.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to inspire and guide a team towards achieving goals.
• Familiarity with textile machinery and software used in fabric development.
• Proficiency in data analysis and translating technical findings into business strategies.

Work Conditions:

• This is a full-time position requiring an in-person presence to effectively manage R&D activities and teams.
• Occasional travel may be required to meet with suppliers, attend industry events, or collaborate with other company sites.