Senior Officer - Fashion Operations

Job Description

Riyadh Air, headquartered in the Saudi Capital, is the new national airline that’s shaping the future of flying. It seeks to lead the aviation industry by transforming Saudi Arabia into a global aviation and trade hub – a new, digitally native airline, connecting the kingdom to more than 100 destinations.

JOB PURPOSE:

As Senior Officer Fashion Operations role is instrumental in ensuring the seamless progression of fashion products from initial design concept to production, with a steadfast commitment to quality, digital innovation, and sustainability standards. This position holds a pivotal role in overseeing the entire manufacturing process with meticulous attention to detail, emphasizing sustainable practices and driving innovation within the industry, particularly in sustainable textiles, digital tools, and biometrics. Additionally, the Senior Officer assists with the brick-and-mortar operations strategy, prioritizing sustainable inventory management and merchandising practices to enhance the guest experience and integrate seamlessly with distribution channels.

Furthermore, as part of the digital operations initiatives, they champion the implementation of digital and biometric tools to streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve sizing accuracy, ultimately enhancing the overall guest journey with sustainability at the forefront.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Quality Product Delivery : Ensure that all products meet the highest quality standards within sample and production deadlines, addressing any issues affecting timelines or costs proactively to achieve the targeted annual reduction in quality-related returns.
• Development and Production Oversight: Assist with the entire development process, including samples, orders, data entry, and QC processes, ensuring adherence to company standards and efficient collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners to ensure an on-time delivery rate for all product launches.
• Fabric, Trim, and Material Development and Library Management: Build and maintain comprehensive fabric, trim, yarn, and wash libraries, focusing on core, novelty, and sustainable options, while also managing material data in the fashion management system to maintain an updated material database with a 100% accuracy rate before bulk production commences.
• Fabric Analysis and Recommendations: Analyze fabric needs across brands and categories, recommending leveraging qualities/platforming fabrics and tracking components of the material and wash resource library.
• Sustainable Fabric Research: Research and develop sustainable fabrics, trims, print techniques, and washes, optimizing cost, consumption, and application across categories and global business units to ensuring a measurable reduction in environmental impact and improved sustainability standards across the product range.
• Collaborative Development: Work directly with in-house creative/art directors, stylists, designers, and operations teams on the development of shoot campaigns, ensuring alignment with brand standards and contributing to the enhancement of the quality and efficiency of the preparation process.
• Product Presentation: Style all product shots to accurately depict clothing by brand standards, following in-house styling guidelines to ensure consistency in the visual representation of products.
• Creative Execution: Support executing creative and technical drawings necessary for prototyping and packaging, to illustrate ideas and seasonal inspirations while contributing to the collection, product, fabrics, and materials research.
• Operations Management: Develop and implement strategies for brick-and-mortar operations, including inventory management, merchandising, and guest experience, ensuring alignment with brand standards and seamless integration with distribution channels to achieve and sustain the targeted customer success rate in guest satisfaction scores.
• Digital Operations and Size Biometrics: Implement and oversee digital operations initiatives, including size biometrics and applications, to enhance guest experience and streamline the distribution processes. Utilize digital tools and technologies to gather and analyze size data, improving sizing accuracy and reducing returns, while also exploring innovative applications for enhancing the overall guest journey to improving sizing accuracy and reducing returns.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in the fashion industry, with a focus on apparel manufacturing, product development and textiles.
• Strong background in apparel manufacturing economics and operations management, with expertise in textile development, garment construction, and production planning.
• Proven experience in leading retail operations, including inventory management, merchandising, and enhancing the VVIP guest experience in brick-and-mortar settings.
• Experience working with sustainable textiles and manufacturing practices is a plus

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree (BA) in Fashion Design, Apparel Merchandising or Textiles, or equivalent work experience.

SKILLS

• Five years of experience in garment construction, textiles engineering, or sustainability within the apparel industry.
• Strong knowledge of textile performance, production planning, and bulk garment manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in garment construction, pattern making, and technical specifications.
• Experience in drawing flat sketches, creating digital design renderings, and developing tech packs and specifications.
• Excellent verbal and written English proficiency are required as it is essential for communication with internal teams, external partners, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Highly collaborative with advanced MS Excel skills and design software.
• Apparel development experience in the airline, travel or hospitality industry or experience working in a design and product development role within a uniform manufacturer.

COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability: The ability to adapt quickly to changes in the fashion industry, market trends, and operational requirements. This includes being flexible in adjusting strategies, processes, and priorities to meet evolving business needs and industry dynamics.
• Collaboration: A strong collaborative mindset to work effectively with cross-functional teams, external partners, vendors, and stakeholders. This involves fostering open communication, building relationships, and leveraging diverse perspectives to achieve common goals and drive innovation.
• Problem-Solving: Exceptional problem-solving skills to identify, analyze, and resolve complex issues and challenges that arise throughout the product development and operations process. This includes being proactive in anticipating potential obstacles and implementing effective solutions to mitigate risks and ensure project success.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in interpreting product designs, managing samples, and adhering to brand guidelines throughout the production process. This competency is essential for maintaining quality standards and meeting customer expectations.
• Strategic Thinking: The ability to think strategically and make data-driven decisions to optimize processes, enhance efficiency, and drive continuous improvement in fashion operations. This includes evaluating market trends, identifying opportunities for innovation and growth, and developing long-term strategies to position the company competitively in the fashion industry.

The city that is already transforming the way we live is now redefining the way we fly.  Riyadh Air, a brand-new chapter in the sky. The new national airline that’s shaping the future of flying.