As part of our product creation team, the Color Development Supervisor is expected to lead in key projects and color development. You are expected to have advanced knowledge in the end to end color process and have a good working knowledge of the total product development process. Bringing a level excellence of into the color development process from concept to commercialization as the technical resource. You will be expected to foster this knowledge throughout the development team and your direct report.

In this role you will also be tasked with the managing of the color development process from dips out to buy ready. You will be working with various product creation groups (technical services, design, innovation team, overseas factories, etc.) both in Kent and Shenzhen to drive the color development process and ensure finished products meet or exceed our quality standards. This role is responsible for generating and communicating ideas regarding the overall performance and value of our products to our manufacturing resources.

This job contributes to REI’s success by managing the color process and determining the timeline for color development for all of Gear & Apparel. Strategizes how to fulfill the color needs of the G&A business, including determining what tools are needed to improve the quality and efficiency of color development. The Color Developer evaluates color for several G&A business units.

• Expected to support the growth of peers in the development process; mentoring & leading on process improvements, software updates, and technical specification excellence.
• Partner & collaborate with designers, technical services, testing team & overseas partners to ensure color execution
• Leads in establishing standards, processes and controls to manage color development at REI
• Reports seasonally on quantity of dips, mills, color use, trends, issues, and challenges and makes recommendations for improvements
• Manages and facilitates lab dip process (requests and comment phases) for all fabrics and mills handled by HQ
• Leads in evaluation and comment on all bulk submissions and alerts greater team if necessary
• Responsible for maintaining color details and states in Enovia
• Ensures communication of color development status to stakeholders throughout the organization
• Provides color technical support to Gear and Apparel product teams
• Identifies and resolves potential color quality issues
• Creates and updates and maintains the Color Quality Manual and ensures all vendors follow our procedures
• Utilizes software and equipment solutions to increase color development accuracy and efficiency
• Researches and proposes software and equipment solutions to increase color development accuracy and efficiency.
• Proactively partners with mills to improve color accuracy in development and bulk
• Networks with colorists, color software, standards, equipment, and dye manufacturers to share best practices and stay abreast of latest advancements in color development
• Partners with Color Design and Designers to ensure that needs and color expectations are met or reviewed

Qualifications 

• 5+ years of experience in the apparel or textile industry.
• Hands on experience with color matching equipment such as spectrophotometer and color management systems. 
• Technical understanding of textile coloration techniques/limitations, including fibers, yarns, dyeing, finishing, coating. 
• Thorough understanding of the product development process including related timelines. 
• Knowledge of testing methods, interpretation and application of results. 
• Must be able to communicate effectively with Design, Production, Merchandising and international suppliers regarding color processes and color quality issues, both written and verbal. 
• Solid problem solving and strategic thinking ability. 
• Ability to travel approximately 2 weeks per year if needed 
• Actively participates and collaborates with others on one's own team and across REI for the achievement of business goals.

At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity – that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.  

Pay Transparency

We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.   

REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off.  Click here for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.