INVISTA Apparel is a premier supplier of differentiated fiber products from a global manufacturing base with assets in Europe, USA, Mexico, Brazil, China and Singapore. INVISTA is a subsidiary of Koch Industries, Inc., one of the world`s largest privately-held companies. Koch companies employ about 60,000 people and have a presence in nearly 60 countries.

Our Apparel business works with leading consumer brands, retailers and fabric mills all over the world to leverage our innovative ingredient brand fibers including LYCRA fiber, COOLMAX fabric, THERMOLITE fabric, SUPPLEX fabric and TACTEL fiber. INVISTA is a leading supplier in the global apparel markets including ready-to-wear, intimate apparel, swimwear, activewear, outdoor and career apparel.

The Opportunity:
Provide multi-fiber (spandex/nylon/polyester) textile development support to INVISTA Apparel customers throughout the value chain (mill to brand/retailer). Key activities include: problem solving at customers, working with multiple manufacturing sites on cost/quality improvement, commercialization of new product offerings, working with customers to develop prototype fabrics & garments, demonstrating the value-in-use benefits of Apparels offerings vs. competition, and interacting with customers to identify market-back needs and translating those needs into yarn development opportunities. Individual will work closely with the regional sales and operations teams to deliver value adding results. Individual in this position will also lead and fulfill administrative duties for North America T&MD team.

In all areas of responsibilities must have:

• Curiosity, intellectual discipline and analytic capability needed to continually refine and expand knowledge of the business and competitive environment.
• Strong customer focus and responsibility, initiative and judgment to anticipate and satisfy customer needs.
• Financial knowledge and ability to frame up opportunities based on critical thought, innovation and value for customers, the company and society.
• Passion for developing and sharing knowledge in ways that improve business profitability.

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support/problem solving to customers, in support of product offerings.
• Development and commercialization of new products.
• Work with regional sales/marketing segment teams to identify and capture opportunities at customers for top line growth (share or penetration).
• Work with customers to minimize claims & returns and when necessary process claims/returns in an accurate & timely manner.
• Work with regional manufacturing locations to implement quality and cost improvements.
• Benchmark competitive offerings and determine trade quality ratings of INVISTA products.
• Understand and be able to explain value-in-use concepts for INVISTA products.
• Work with the R&D team to define new development opportunities and design/implement trade prove-out plans.
• Identify market-back needs and translate into product specifications.
• Analyze defective fabrics/garments from customers (mills and brand/retailers) to determine defects, make recommendations to prevent reoccurrence and/or minimize working losses associated with current inventory.
• Lead and co-ordinate T&MD personnel and activity within North America and network both within the West Region and Global Technology Teams.
• Fulfill administrative requirements for North America T&MD team.
• Perform all of the above while ensuring the highest level of ethics and 100% compliance with all applicable laws. Develop an open environment, respectfully challenge status quo and communicate all potential risks.

Minimum Requirements:

• At least 10 years of technical experience in textile, disposable personal hygiene industry or similarly complex industry.
• At least 3 years of leadership/ operational experience in a facility or regional role.
• Willing and able to travel at least 50% including some international travel.

Preferred Education, Experience & Skills

• Masters degree or higher in Business, Engineering or Textile related field.
• At least 15 years textile industry experience.
• Knowledge of fabric production/formation methods: knits (warp, circular or seamless) and/or wovens, both rigid and stretch.
• Knowledge of textile dyeing & finishing processes.
• Experience with commercialization of new products.
• Experience with global business operations.

This role is based in Wilmington, DE or Waynesboro, VA.

Links of interest:
www.kochind.com  
www.kochscienceofsuccess.com  


We are an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V
Except where prohibited by state law, all offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test.