New

Raw Material Specialist

TEKsystems
$45.00 - $50.00 / hr
life insurance, sick time, 401(k), retirement plan
United States, California, Carlsbad
Jun 18, 2026
Description This role collaborates with the Raw Materials Manager, Product Development, Sourcing, Sustainability, Design, Merchandising, and Quality teams to execute product initiatives utilizing creative thinking and problem-solving skills. The Raw Material Specialist coordinates the fabric/trim sourcing, data management, construction, testing, quality, color approvals and costing which results in the commercial execution of all materials and trims. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITES: Assists with the material development time & action calendar based on development calendar and collaborates with Design, Sustainability, Sourcing, Merchandising, Product Development and Quality teams to achieve commercial viability of materials. Collaborates with Design, PD and Merchandising teams to identify material needs at the start of a season In partnership with Design, Sourcing, Merchandising, Product Development and Quality team, assists in executing the development of fabrics & trims to support vision, sustainability initiatives, sourcing strategy and product requirements. Communicates daily with our domestic & international material suppliers to enhance sourcing strategy, creating respectful, symbiotic relationships for combined growth Coordinates materials sourcing requests by preparing and sending materials and/or briefs to qualified mill partners for sourcing to ensure costs, MOQ, lead-times and technical qualities are met per Design's intentions Cross-functional interaction with all departments of to 1- deliver the highest quality, most sustainable product in our market, and 2- communicate the material attributes & vision. Maintains knowledge of industry trends and current events to align product line with industry progress and growth, as well as company goals and strategies. Coordinates & provides input to Merchandising team to maintain a well-balanced materials offering with consistency across divisions and within categories YOU ARE Able to establish and maintain schedules by prioritizing heavy workloads and multiple seasons overlapping A problem-solving solver, able to work on multiple projects at a time. Able to maintain a professional demeanor and openness to new ideas and change 1.Development Assists with the material and trim development time & action calendar based on development calendar and collaborates with Design, Sustainability, Sourcing, Merchandising, Product Development and Quality teams to achieve commercial viability of materials and trims. Collaborates with Design, PD and Merchandising teams to identify material needs at the start of a season Ownership of fabric development sheets (FDS) to mills for all new development including finishes, dyestuff specs and performance requirements Adhere to materials seasonal calendar and consistently execute on deliverables Proactively trouble-shoots issues regarding fabric characteristics, cost, technical construction, lead times, functional performance and testing from development through pre-production Coordinate and organize all materials related collateral: fabric headers, approval submits, knit downs, handlooms, mock ups, etc Coordinate fabric history for all key and/or novelty programs Daily communication with mills to confirm fabric pricing, minimums, and availability Maintains tracking of development and seasonal progress, utilizing fabric WIP for associated approvals of all materials and trims. Evaluates submittals to ensure prAna's quality standards are met Collaborates with Color Specialist to evaluate development and SMS submittals Builds, inputs, and maintains PLM Raw Material (RM) codes Assists Materials Lead as needed to ensure accurate data gathering and input into systems Assists Materials Lead in executing seasonal materials development Communicates and follows up with vendors regarding materials as needed Counter-sources materials and trims to effectively build products at the best cost, quality, and compliance in accordance with sourcing strategy Assists in evaluating development fabric test reports to determine if further testing &/or revisions to fabric Sets and maintains seasonal care label instructions based on fabric/garment qualities and end use Reviews, evaluates, and is pro-active in regards to material quality assurance issues at time of sales samples and bulk production. Communicates findings to Product Creation, Sales, QA and Sourcing/Production teams Responsible for secondary (trim) materials development Ownership of seasonal SMS greige booking; calculating yardage demands Provides input on seasonal allocation process Communicates with mill to arrange sample yardage for testing and development. Connects mills and vendors to coordinate yardage for proto 2.Sourcing In collaboration with Design, Sourcing, Merchandising, Product Development and Quality team, assists in executing the sourcing of fabrics & trims to support vision, sustainability initiatives, sourcing strategy and product requirements. Communicates daily with our domestic & international material suppliers to enhance sourcing strategy, creating respectful, symbiotic relationships for combined growth Coordinates materials sourcing requests by preparing and sending materials and/or briefs to qualified mill partners for sourcing to ensure costs, MOQ, lead-times and technical qualities are met per Design's intentions Regularly communicates with mills suppliers to ensure product initiatives are supported and aligned with supply chain strengths Maintains seasonal Materials Hand Off PPT for tracking of new material requests Participates in post-seasonal supplier evaluations with Sourcing/Production teams 3.Product Integrity Cross-functional interaction with all departments of to 1- deliver the highest quality, most sustainable product in our market, and 2- communicate the material attributes & vision. Makes thoughtful daily decisions to maintain high levels of standards in quality and sustainability - from development to production Helps to prevent, identify, rectify and problem solve quality or process issues with internal and overseas team members when materials do not meet standards and create solutions for future Communicates performance testing standards to vendors seasonally. Organize and communicate seasonal testing requests (fabric package, functional performance, RSL) with suppliers 4.Market R&D Maintains knowledge of industry trends and current events to align prAna's product line with industry progress and growth, as well as, company goals and strategies. Coordinates & provides input to Merchandising team to maintain a well-balanced materials offering with consistency across divisions and within categories Researches & provides material and trim inspiration to Design team in creating the best product possible, aligning with prAna's innovation and sustainability strategies and seasonal vision 5.RD& D Assists Materials Team with research and development of new materials as directed by leadership team, in collaboration with Design and Merchandise, based on market trends and brand strategy Skills* Fabrics, Fibers Top Skills Details Fabrics,Fibers Additional Skills & Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Apparel &/or Textile Product Development, Merchandising or Design is required 2+ years of industry experience in Product Development/Material Development Knowledge of material construction, fabrics (knits & wovens) & their properties, and trims in the following (Men's, Women's &/or Accessories) categories: Outerwear, Mid-Layer, Performance, Activewear, Swimwear, Lifestyle, Sweaters, Dresses, Accessories Understanding of supply chain transparency and compliance Experience travelling internationally &/or domestically to evaluate vendor execution Experience in costing and negotiating Passion and drive for Sustainability Working knowledge of: PDM systems, Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint Key Competencies Calm and mindful disposition in all actions Attention to detail Establishes and maintains schedules by prioritizing heavy workloads and multiple seasons overlapping Demonstrates a flexible work-style based on shifting demands and priorities Excels in a team-based structure and maintains a positive attitude in a team environment Self-directed Ability to achieve goals, tasks and responsibilities with a high level of integrity Exceptional written and verbal communication skills Effective and organized presentation skills Problem-solving skills Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and openness to new ideas and change Comfortable with conflicting personalities and work-styles Personal values align with prAna's values: We support a life/work balance We strive to deliver the highest quality product and experience to our customer We take positive steps towards environmental and social change We are a high energy, hardworking and playful culture We are inspired by SEVA Experience Level Intermediate Level Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Carlsbad, CA. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $45.00 - $50.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: * Medical, dental & vision * Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital * 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available * Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) * Short and long-term disability * Health Spending Account (HSA) * Transportation benefits * Employee Assistance Program * Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace TypeThis is a hybrid position in Carlsbad,CA. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2026. About TEKsystems We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services We're a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We're a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We're strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We're building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.