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# Head of Fabric (Maternity Cover)

- **Company:** Paul Smith
- **Location:** London, UK
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Temporary contract
- **Skills:** Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe InDesign
- **Published:** July 23, 2026
- **Apply:** https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=c6976294de6a3c36

## About the Role

You have significant experience in luxury or premium fashion fabric development.
You have previous experience working with menswear and tailoring.
Highly knowledgeable in woven and jersey fabric construction, development and performance.
You have extensive knowledge of global fabric mills, suppliers and sourcing markets.
You're experienced in managing complex fabric critical paths across multiple collections.
Excellent supplier management and negotiation skills, with the ability to build long-term partnerships.
Strong leadership experience with the ability to coach and develop a team.
Highly organised, with exceptional project management skills and the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign.
Able to travel throughout the season if and when required.

## Description

Lead the seasonal fabric strategy across all product categories, including special projects.
Source and develop innovative woven and jersey fabrics aligned with the creative vision and commercial requirements.
Research new fabric technologies, finishes and manufacturing techniques.
Identifying opportunities to enhance quality, performance, sustainability and cost, presenting seasonal fabric developments to the wider product team.
Build and nurture strong relationships with international mills and fabric suppliers, negotiating pricing, minimum order quantities and development timelines.
Represent Paul Smith at supplier meetings, fabric fairs and development trips, driving continuous improvement in quality, innovation and service.
Manage the seasonal fabric critical path from concept through to bulk approval, ensuring fabric availability aligns with garment development deadlines.
Coordinate lab dips, strike-offs, handlooms, sampling and bulk approvals, while resolving technical fabric challenges in collaboration with Product Development and Production.
Lead and mentor the Fabric team, setting priorities and allocating workload across seasonal developments.
Working closely with Design to translate creative concepts into commercially viable fabric solutions, while collaborating with Buying, Merchandising, Production and Technical teams to ensure a seamless transition into bulk manufacturing.
Drive the use of responsible materials and support the brand's sustainability objectives.
Ensure fabrics meet required testing, compliance and performance standards.
Championing responsible material choices and ensuring fabrics meet required testing, compliance and performance standards.
Monitor fabric costs and support margin objectives through effective supplier negotiations and cost optimisation initiatives.



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