Manager /Assistant Manager - Finishing

You're an original. So are we. We're a company of people who like to forge our own path. We invented the blue jean in 1873, and we reinvented khaki pants in 1986. We work to build sustainability into everything we do. Our brands stand for freedom and self-expression around the world. Where we lead, others follow. For more than 160 years, we've used the strength of our brands to lead with our values and make an outsized impact on the world. We employ more than 15,000 people globally to support our great brands: Levi's®, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™ and Beyond Yoga.

The role will be responsible & accountable for overseeing and managing all aspects of finish developments and bulk productions for all accounts of LS & CO products with skilled communications. They ensure adherence to quality standards, timely execution of projects, and continuous improvement in finish processes. The role involves close collaboration with vendors, cross-functional teams, and decision-makers to mitigate risks and enhance product delivery efficiency with ethics.

• Receive and dissect clear finish briefs from the design team, ensuring detailed comprehension before transmitting to vendors for seamless execution.
• Evaluate vendor capabilities based on seasonal requirements and communicate potential gaps to the Head of the department/ leader.
• Thoroughly review fabric test reports prior to finish brief transmission, identifying and discussing fabric and finish compatibility issues with the Finish Manager.
• Ensure vendor readiness during onsite development workshops, focusing on cost and sample preparation.
• Track and meet development timelines, partnering with Product Development to ensure adherence to Go-To-Market (GTM) dates.
• Facilitate approval of finish trials within one to two rounds of iteration and duplicate approval within designated workshop timelines.
• Initiate internal testing before initial trials to verify RSL, compliance with LS&Co. testing parameters and ensure reproducibility in bulk production, proposing backup options as needed.
• Spearhead initiatives to increase the development of waterless finishes seasonally, ensuring replication in bulk production and cost savings ways of working season to season with Formulas validations during initial trails, digitalization’s and risk call outs at first stage to freeze bulk risks .

• Educate vendors on LS&Co. requirements regarding Finish Technical Loom (FTL) submissions and associated documentation.
• Monitor and ensure timely submission and approval of FTLs according to LS&Co. standards, Green status 21-35 Days or even earlier prior to Ex-factory dates.
• Collaborate with Supply Management (SM) team on bulk planning and deliverables to ensure on-time delivery.
• Develop and implement necessary process controls in laundry operations through regular evaluations.
• Track and ensure Bulk Goods Production Tests (GPT) clearance well ahead of shipment dates to prevent last-minute delays.
• Engage with vendors to optimize process mapping for critical finishes as required, ensuring seamless transition from development to execution phases.
• Maintain rigorous follow-up with vendors to meet seasonal GTM dates, minimizing overlaps with other activities.

• Engage with vendors to improve finish formulas for failed finishes within specified timelines.
• Conduct weekly reviews of progress in Finished Look Approval (FLA), duplicates (Dupes), laboratory testing, and Customer Service (CS) samples.
• Collaborate with vendors to conduct comprehensive risk assessments before and after Critical Stage (CS) execution, highlighting potential risks to decision-makers in a timely manner.

• Ensure Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system is updated with relevant information for all seasons.
• Review monthly performance reports of vendors regarding delivery, testing performance, and defect percentages, initiating corrective actions and continuous improvements as necessary.
• Proactively anticipate and address potential issues affecting on-time delivery or product quality, devising alternate plans as needed.
• Influence vendors to enhance process and infrastructure capabilities supporting optimized sourcing strategies.

• B. Tech in Textile Engineering or Diploma in Textile Processing/Chemistry with a minimum 8 years of experience in Denim, Non-denim washing, Garment Dyeing & Special finishes.
• Must be organized, detail-oriented and demands accountability for results.
• Ability to be flexible in a multiple-task environment with a sense of urgency to meet deadlines.
• Collaborative working relationships with cross-functional partners
• Strong communication skills, a thorough understanding of product development.
• Strong understanding of denim & non-denim fabrics & finishes.
• Garment Dyeing & Special Finishes experience will be an added advantage.
• Technical expertise coupled with hands-on experience.
• Ability to adopt a Digital mindset.
• Specific expertise on managing Tight time-bound innovative projects would be an added advantage.