Mill QC and Fabric Development Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Mill QC and Fabric Development Manager establishes, audits, and enforces mill-wide quality standards, documentation, procedures, and training. This role leads and maintains the Quality Management System (QMS), including ISO 9001 compliance, corrective actions, continuous improvement, and quality performance across manufacturing operations.

The manager partners with Production Leadership, Portland Fabric Development, Engineering, and technical teams to ensure quality standards are achieved throughout product development and manufacturing. This role oversees the QC department, including the QC Specialist and QA Assurance Coordinator, and promotes accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

• Collaborate with Portland Fabric Development, external customers, and mill teams to design, develop, and manufacture new fabrics using expertise in color, trends, fabric construction, fiber properties, dobby and jacquard weaving, and finishing processes.
• Document customer requirements, provide creative input and trend expertise, develop seasonal color palettes, and coordinate the planning, development, and review of seasonal lines.
• Coordinate seasonal development timelines; schedule and manufacture fabric samples and experiments, provide development feedback, and review samples for quality and customer requirements.
• Manage surplus yarn inventories and help develop product opportunities to utilize obsolete yarns and roving waste.
• Follow Vendor Compliance Manual requirements when submitting yarn and fabric for testing for internal and external customers.
• Create yarn and fabric standards.
• Assess and approve mill yarn qualities.
• Assess and approve Weave Room Headings and Samples
• Review and approve fabric layouts for all production orders.
• Develop annual SAH calculations for fabric experiments and blankets; provide cost sheets to accounting.
• Collect and analyze mill QC metrics and drive continuous improvement of QC KPIs through QMS processes, including root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions.
• Assist Dyehouse in Developing and implementing new and improved shades
• Administer Farnsworth Color Acuity testing to required personnel
• Hire, train, coach, and evaluate direct and indirect reports.
• Manage fabric design functions within the QMS.
• Provide technical and creative support cross‑functionally and in coordination with Portland Fabric Development.
• Promote a safe working environment through training, supervision, and correction of unsafe conditions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KPIs

• New fabric development and innovation in partnership with Portland Fabric Development
• First Pass Yield optimization and Rework Reduction
• Yarn & Weave Quality (Out-of-Tolerance Trends)
• Seconds Rate mitigation (Blankets & Continuous Yardage)
• Quality Audit Compliance and On-Time Performance for Experimental Development

CORE EXPECTATIONS (The knowledge/abilities in which the incumbent must demonstrate competencies)

• Strong knowledge of color theory, fabric design, textile fibers, yarns, fabrics, colors, and finishes.
• Strong knowledge of textile manufacturing, including fabric construction
• Creative judgment with the ability to translate inspiration into fabric designs and innovations
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and collaboration skills
• High accuracy, motivation, curiosity, and adaptability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build strong working relationships across departments.
• Ability to coach, develop, and teach others.

BEHAVIORAL (The method in which the incumbent delivers results)

• Acts with integrity, professionalism, and consistency
• Maintains composure and sound judgment under pressure
• Demonstrates accountability for decisions and outcomes

QUALIFICATIONS (The training, education and/or experience necessary to fulfill the job)

• BA in Textile Design, Textile Engineering, Textile Chemistry/Science, or related field
• 10 or more years of textile design/engineering experience, preferably with supervisory experience
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience considered.
• Color acuity validated by Farnsworth Color Acuity Test
• Knowledge of weave structures, mill processes and jacquard looms

SYSTEM QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficient in MS365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Access)
• Knowledge of ISO9001:2015 QMS preferred
• Proficient in use of CAD software; Ned Graphics preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Regularly sit, stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the production mill
• Work in a production environment with exposure to noise, dust, and chemicals; PPE required (hearing protection, eye protection, steel‑toed boots)
• Regular travel to the corporate office and occasional travel to other locations as needed

M-F 7:00 AM-3:30 PM

Health & Wellness: Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Pendleton covering the majority of employee premiums.
Your Future: 401(k) with a company match of up to 3.5%.
Time to Recharge: PTO from your first day, plus eleven paid holidays for eligible corporate employees.
Peace of Mind: Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance.
Support for Life: Flexible spending accounts, confidential employee assistance resources, and access to applicable paid family and medical leave programs.
The Pendleton Perk: Enjoy employee discounts on the products and timeless styles that have been part of Pendleton for generations.