Director – Specialty Fibers

Quince

. Orchestrate the end-to-end specialty fiber supply chain from fiber to finished yarn .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timeRemote • Italy, United KingdomLead💰 $1 - $2 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in specialty fiber sourcing and quality management, with a strong focus on cost analysis, supplier compliance, and sustainable practices. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and communicate complex technical concepts effectively.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Specialty Fiber SourcingQuality Management SystemsCost Analysis SkillsSupplier Compliance ProgramsLeadership in Cross-Functional Teams

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Textile ScienceFiber EngineeringNatural Fibers KnowledgeWoolen and Worsted Spinning ProcessesCost-Per-Kilogram ModelingYield OptimizationLanded Cost AnalysisQuality Standards DevelopmentSustainable Fiber ExperienceTraceability Knowledge

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsMentoring and Leadership

Tools & Technologies

PLM SystemsQuality Database ManagementDigital Tracking Systems

Industry Keywords

Supply Chain ManagementYarn ProductionColoration for ApparelLuxury GoodsGeopolitical RisksClimate ImpactsCompetitive Intelligence

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Yarn

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Orchestrate the end-to-end specialty fiber supply chain from fiber to finished yarn
Lead and mentor sourcing managers, quality engineers, and production experts
Drive multi-sourcing and nearshoring strategies across the Americas and Asia
Evaluate vertical integration opportunities for spinning, dyeing, and finishing capabilities
Advise executives on fiber market trends, geopolitical risks, climate impacts, and competitive intelligence
Identify cost-leadership opportunities while maintaining ethical standards and product integrity
Build, vet, and onboard mills, dehairers, spinners, and dye houses
Lead supplier development programs to improve yield, reduce defects, adopt sustainable practices, and achieve cost efficiencies
Drive traceability and transparency across the fiber supply chain and partner with certification bodies
Make sourcing decisions using auction prices, crop forecasts, currency fluctuations, and geopolitical developments
Architect quality management systems and define standards, testing protocols, and approval workflows
Establish quality benchmarks for micron distribution, fiber length, tensile strength, yield, color fastness, and pilling resistance
Oversee third-party lab testing and compliance against international standards and internal specifications
Lead root-cause analysis and corrective and preventive actions across the supply chain
Translate design and tactile visions into scalable technical specifications
Provide technical direction to design, product development, and production teams
Communicate daily with mills, dye houses, and suppliers regarding quality, color, availability, and production timelines
Translate design and merchandising visions into technical briefs
Lead blind panels to validate luxury fiber perception and color accuracy before commercialization

Requirements

What you’ll need

Degree in Textile Science, Fiber Engineering, Material Science, Supply Chain Management, Color Chemistry, or related field
15+ years of experience in specialty fiber sourcing, yarn production, quality management, or coloration for apparel, accessories, or home textiles
Deep technical knowledge of natural fibers, including cashmere, merino, yak, alpaca, and cotton
Knowledge of woolen and worsted spinning processes
Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams in a fast-paced retail or manufacturing environment
Strong cost analysis skills, including cost-per-kilogram modeling, yield optimization, landed cost analysis, and budget management
Experience building and maintaining quality standards and supplier compliance programs, including SKU rationalization and shade consolidation
Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders
Preferred: experience with sustainable fibers
Preferred: knowledge of supply chain traceability, including blockchain or digital tracking systems
Preferred: familiarity with PLM systems and quality database management
Preferred: background in luxury goods with an eye for premium aesthetics, handfeel, and trend forecasting
Employment contingent upon successful completion of a background check

Benefits

Comp & perks

Bonus and equity may also be provided for eligible roles
Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities
Equal employment opportunities
Background checks conducted in compliance with applicable laws