Freelance Fabric R&D Assistant

A global fashion retailer is seeking a freelance Fabric R&D Assistant to assist in sourcing and developing fabrics with appropriate aesthetics and costs for the brand as well as assist in the creation and maintenance of the fabric resource library to support seasonal development.Hourly Pay Rate: $22.50/hr - $23.50/hr RESPONSIBILITIES:*Assist in researching fabric trends and creating fabric boards/presentations to represent seasonal fabric trends*Work with design, production, and external vendors to develop qualities that are aligned with the brand aesthetic, cost, and quality*Support reporting manager in following up with design, production, mills, and vendors on outstanding fabric data to ensure on-time delivery*Filing/Organizing Fabric Submits*Update Fabric Boards as needed*Assist in entering and maintaining fabric information in the fabric database (PLM) and fabric development charts). Upload Fabric Development Sheets, Scope Certificates, and testing*Maintain woven Fabric Library. Manage receipt of new fabrics and file accordingly by typing in the fabric library*Receive Packages containing fabric submits and pull appropriate standards to review with Design*Assist reporting manager with special sourcing projects across all fabric initiatives*Able to work in a hybrid environment, meaning that some work may be performed remotely but certain essential functions must be performed in-person/in-office based on the needs of the business. *In-person/in-office collaboration is required, the frequency of such in-person/in-office collaboration (e.g., a portion of the week, entire week) is dictated by business needs. Such collaboration includes work centralized around product development, milestone meetings, and fabric approvals.QUALIFICATIONS:*Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design Textile or Production (or equivalent experience and education)*1-2 years in the garment industry or fabric-related experience*Excellent written and verbal communication skills*Strong interpersonal skills to work with the Fabric team, cross-functional partners, and external vendors*Able to multitask and prioritize based on business objectives*Organized and detail-oriented*Working knowledge of Excel*Web PLM experience a plus