Title:  Head of Technical & Raw Materials

About the job: This role is to lead the Apparel and Softgoods Technical teams for two brands (KAS & TAS) across offices in Asia and Australia, including Technical Design, Product Technology, 3D Tech, and Raw Material to develop, design, and execute effective quality management strategies to meet and exceed Kmart and Target quality standards.

Responsibilities:

1.Strategic Design & Implementation:

• Build and design a quality strategy that enables Kmart and Target to grow their market share through consistent quality standards and elevated fabrications

• Implement execution of 3D strategy to realize efficiencies via 3D product creation

• Develop a raw material strategy around quality enhancement, risk mitigation, and manufacturing localization, ensuring commercial outcomes are not compromised.

• Drive Strategic projects that align with the overall strategy and ensure end-to-end execution

• Continuously provide thought leadership on process improvements and bring about newness in ways of operating

• Landing enhanced Quality CVP at Target

• Develop and manage the operational budget to execute defined strategic plans

2. Lead Technical Design and Raw Material team

• Develop capability and capacity of technical team with a view towards increasing efficiencies and improving product quality

• Develop functional plans and measures to assess and improve the whole department’s performance

• Construct performance development plans in conjunction with subordinates to set performance direction and highlight training and development needs

• Promote an environment of cooperation for continual improvement of team performance

3. Be accountable for the delivery of projects and program capabilities within agreed timelines and budget., including:

• Review and implementation of block and construction library

• Review and improve the technology and tools at our disposal to support day-to-day operations and project delivery

• Ensure stakeholders are engaged and appropriate support structures/forums are in place for successful change management

• Ensure project activities are structured to add lasting business value and results are embedded within Kmart Group’s daily operations

Requirements:

1. Minimum 15 years' technical-related experience, including at least 7 years' experience in a managerial role.

2. Expert knowledge of apparel fit, pattern blocks, technical package creation, sample / fit evaluation, CAD, 3D applications, and raw materials. Knowledge and proven track record of driving 3D projects and execution

3. High sense of integrity and values-driven approach to leadership, looking to build a high-performance team environment

4. Excellent communication and presentation skills, ability to navigate complex business contexts - managing across cultures and working across teams, and ability to lead discussions, and manage and influence senior stakeholders independently.

5. With a change mindset - look for areas of improvement and changes to make the organization better. Ability to execute and push teams as needed to achieve results.