Color Development Manager

Responsibilities

Manage the seasonal color development process from initial color standards through bulk production approval.
Partner closely with Design and Materials teams to translate seasonal color direction into achievable production standards across fabrics, trims, and components.
Review and evaluate lab dips, strike-offs, yarn dyes, prints, trims, and other color submissions for accuracy and consistency.
Provide clear, actionable color comments and approvals to mills, vendors, and suppliers.
Ensure color consistency across multiple materials, fabrications, product categories, and manufacturing locations.
Identify potential color challenges early and recommend solutions that balance creative intent, technical feasibility, cost, and timeline.
Maintain approved color standards and ensure accurate communication of standards across internal teams and external partners.

Serve as the primary color development partner across Design, Materials, Product Development, Production, Sourcing, and Quality teams.
Participate in seasonal color reviews and milestone meetings, proactively communicating risks, approvals, and outstanding actions.
Partner with Materials and Product Development teams to ensure color approvals align with development and production calendars.
Collaborate with vendors and mills to troubleshoot color discrepancies and drive timely resolution.
Support teams in understanding color limitations, dye feasibility, impact due to fabric construction & finishes, and production considerations.

Own and maintain color development timelines, tracking submissions and approvals against key seasonal milestones.
Proactively identify risks to the development calendar and escalate issues when necessary.
Manage multiple seasons, categories, and color developments simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Develop and improve color development processes, tools, and tracking systems to increase efficiency and visibility.
Maintain accurate color records, approval history, and seasonal documentation.
Monitor and evaluate color development metrics (pending, first-submission, rejection, approval, and dropped rates by season and category) to identify systemic issues and drive continuous improvement

Build strong working relationships with mills, dye houses, suppliers, and manufacturing partners.
Establish clear expectations for color submissions, approval standards, and turnaround times.
Monitor vendor color performance and identify opportunities to improve first-pass approval rates, consistency, and speed.
Partner with Quality and Production teams to address color-related issues during bulk production.
Support the development of color quality standards and best practices across the supplier + vendor base.

Provide guidance and technical expertise to cross-functional partners and junior team members.
Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to color development.
Help establish best practices and training related to color evaluation, communication, and approval processes.
Support continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen color accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
Experience evaluating and approving lab dips, strike-offs, yarn dyes, prints, trims, and bulk color.
Strong visual color acuity and understanding of color theory, superior score on HUE MUNSELL 100 Test.
Familiarity with engineered color standards & providers, Pantone and Archroma color systems preferred.

Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design, Textile Science, Fashion Design, Product Development, or a related field preferred.
5+ years of experience in color development, textile development, materials development, product development, or a related apparel function.
Strong knowledge of textile color development, dyeing processes, fabric construction, and material behavior.
Experience working directly with domestic and international mills, vendors, and manufacturing partners.
Knowledge of color measurement systems and tools, including spectrophotometers, lightboxes, and digital color management platforms, preferred.
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and seasonal deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to provide concise, actionable technical feedback.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make informed decisions in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
Proficiency with PLM systems, Adobe Suite, Airtable, Microsoft Office Suite, and color management software preferred.

$100,000 - $115,000 / year