Senior Manager - Technical Fabrics (Global)

Position Title: Technical Manager Fabrics

Location: India, Vietnam, Indonesia

Role Purpose:

• To Oversee, monitor, and lead the Fabrics developments in India, Vietnam, and Indonesia and other countries and require by business.
• To Oversee and monitor the lab dips, pilot lot developments and successfully convert the lab dips & pilot orders to bulk orders.
• Faster sample development to enable quick conversion of new potential/enquiries.
• To monitor the first bulk order and hand over the product and process specs to Quality and Manufacturing team.
• To ensure the new products tested and certified in NABL accredited lab.
• To support/guide the Manufacturing, Quality and Supply Chain team to meet the bulk production in line with delivery and quality commitment at manufacturing points with end-to-end responsibility.
• To keep track of availability of Raw Materials in coordination with Supply chain.
• To amend, maintain and release the product specifications and process parameters from time to time.
• Benchmark and enhance the quality and reliability of Fabric products equivalent to competition

Principal Accountabilities and Key Activities:

• Fabric Development:

• Lead and oversee the development of new fabric technologies, designs, and innovations across global markets.
• Ensure that the company stays ahead of trends and maintains technical expertise in fabric properties, functionalities,
• and performance.
• Collaborate with R&D teams, designers, and production units to deliver new fabric solutions that meet customer needs
• and market demands.
• Ensure the development activities through Zenith portal and update the status to all stake holders
• Ensure the Master reference, developmental samples and all pre-bulk samples and customer approval samples are
• preserved and retrieved on need.

• Supply Chain Engagement:

• Follow up with Supply chain on end-to-end process pipeline for pilot lot developments
• Ensure the RM, Dyes and Chemicals are procured as per CMRSL compliance.

• Quality Control and Compliance:

• Oversee fabric quality control standards globally, ensuring products meet both regulatory requirements and interna standards.
• Ensure fabrics comply with environmental, sustainability, and social compliance standards across different countries.
• Develop and implement quality assurance processes and strategies for fabric production
• Conduct audit on monthly basis in all manufacturing locations and report findings to improve overall Quality parameters
• Ensure SOP for testing and Process specs is defined, documented and implemented in all manufacturing operations
• Ensure the quality consistency and reliability of fabric products.
• Follow up with PP QA team for test results from inhouse and external lab and providing timely feedback to concern stakeholders for pilot lots.

• Control financial performance of Performance Materials Department:

• Manage continuous improvement initiatives cross functionally aimed at maximising the potential for saving cost within the business whilst ensuring that Coats “best practice” is in place ·
• Manage the development and implementation of SOP's and controls covering all areas of technical activity so that all relevant procedural / legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost effective service to customers

• Control health and safety related issues comply with Local and global requirements:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, health, quality and environmental management policies, SOPs and controls across the technical function to guarantee employee safety, legislative compliance, delivery of high-quality products / services and a responsible environmental attitude
• Promote sustainable practices within fabric development and aligning with the company’s sustainability goals.
• Implement and support initiatives to reduce waste, water consumption, and energy usage in fabric production.
• Explore eco-friendly materials, processes, and innovations for sustainable fabric solutions.

• Leadership and Collaboration:

• Lead and manage a team of technical experts across various global locations.
• Foster a collaborative environment, ensuring communication and knowledge-sharing across teams.
• Drive the team to meet project timelines, budgets, and company objectives.

• Market and Trend Analysis:

• Continuously monitor industry trends, competitor products, and consumer preferences.
• Provide insight and recommendations for future fabric development based on market analysis and customer feedback.
• Adapt the fabric development process to cater to emerging market needs   and trends.

• Project Management:

• Manage the end-to-end project lifecycle for fabric development, from concept through to production and commercialization.
• Ensure cross-functional coordination and communication to meet deadlines, budgets, and quality expectations.
• Oversee product testing, prototyping, and validation processes.

• Client and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Work closely with key stakeholders, including product development teams, external clients, and suppliers, to align fabric solutions.
• Provide technical support and expertise to clients, offering guidance on fabric choices and applications.

Key Relationships:

• Internal:

Asst Manager Product Development – Ambas

Collaborative liaisons:

• Technical Manager – S&T Madurai
• Quality Assurance Manager D&F Ambas
• Wet Process Lab Manager – D&F Ambas
• Business Development Manager Fabrics – Vietnam
• PP Segment Manager - India

• External:

• All weaving, dyeing and finishing vendors
• 3rd Party Testing Laboratory
• Certifying agencies
• Fibre suppliers
• Dyestuff and Chemical suppliers

Education, Qualifications and Experience:

Knowledge and understanding of:

• Technicalities and Process know how in Fabric developments and Bulk production from spinning to fabric finishing
• Knowledge on ISO testing methods for physical and fastness
• Knowledge on Functional testing like NFPA 2112 and 11612
• Knowledge of Fabric inspection and parameters
• Knowledge on Technical fibres like Aramids, Modacrylic, Viscose, Cotton, Nylon, Anti-Static, and their behaviour from yarn spinning, weaving, dyeing and finishing
• Knowledge on different type of dyes and chemicals
• People management skills
• Innovation mind-set: keen attention for details with out-of-box approach

Experience:

• Preferred Textile Post Graduate or Graduate
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in Technical Textile fabric spinning, weaving, processing and finishing
• Larger team management experience
• Experience of implementing and executing sample as well as bulk orders
• Multi skilling within a large operation

Skills & Ability:

• Time management skills
• High level of attention to details
• Good analytical skills
• Ability to lead and influence teams and individuals
• High level of communication skills
• Presentation skills

• High energy, self-driven, achievement orientation
• Willingness for need-based travel to partner’s site, external testing agencies, customers, etc.

• Extensive travelling involved.

At Coats Group, we are committed to innovation, excellence, and fostering a diverse and collaborative environment where every team member can thrive. If you are passionate about making an impact in the textile industry and eager to join a global leader with a rich heritage and a forward-thinking approach, we invite you to take the next step in your career with us.