Chanel Fabric Development Manager (Woven)

Chanel is an independent global luxury house renowned for haute couture, ready-to-wear, accessories, fine jewelry and beauty. The brand is celebrated for its artisanal savoir‑faire, rigorous standards of quality and a culture that blends heritage craftsmanship with contemporary innovation.

1. Lead the technical development of woven fabrics (warp and weft) from concept through industrialisation, ensuring alignment with creative and production briefs.
2. Translate design intent into detailed technical specifications, fabric constructions and prototyping plans; supervise sample development and fit sessions.
3. Coordinate cross‑functional workflows with design, sourcing, quality assurance and production teams to meet timing, cost and quality targets.
4. Manage relationships with strategic fabric suppliers and external mills, negotiating technical requirements, lead times and compliance with brand standards.
5. Implement quality controls and testing protocols for fabric performance, durability and finishing; drive corrective actions when standards are not met.
6. Introduce material innovation and sustainable alternatives while preserving the luxury aesthetic and hand of the fabrics.
7. Supervise, mentor and prioritise the workload of junior development technicians and specialists assigned to woven projects.

1. Degree in textile engineering, material science, fashion technology or equivalent vocational training in textiles.
2. Proven expertise in woven fabric constructions (warp & weft) and hands‑on experience with prototyping and sample management.
3. Demonstrated ability to produce clear technical dossiers, fabric specifications and tolerance sheets for industrial partners.
4. Strong negotiation skills and experience managing supplier relationships in a luxury or premium apparel environment.
5. Capacity to manage multiple concurrent projects to strict deadlines while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.

1. Woven fabric construction (warp & weft)
2. Fabric prototyping and sample development
3. Technical specification and dossier preparation
4. Material sourcing and supplier management
5. Quality assurance and fabric testing
6. Project planning and cross‑functional coordination
7. Sustainable material evaluation and implementation

Approximately 5+ years of progressive experience in textile or fabric development with significant exposure to woven fabrics; prior experience in a luxury, premium ready‑to‑wear or haute couture environment preferred, including supplier coordination and industrialisation.

Degree or professional qualification in textile engineering, material science, fashion technology, or equivalent.

Chanel cultivates a workshop‑like environment that prizes artisanal excellence, discretion and meticulous attention to detail. The workplace balances deep respect for heritage craftsmanship with a drive for material innovation and collaborative, cross‑disciplinary problem solving.