Analyst, Product Integrity & Wear Testing (Smartwool)

At icebreaker and Smartwool, we are two unique brands that embody the same spirit of belonging, adventure, sustainability, and getting out there. We create products made for people who enjoy nature and want to go far and feel good. We do this all while keeping our planet and the impact of our products in mind.

So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture. If you can see yourself working side-by-side with a team of fun, adventure-loving people, icebreaker and Smartwool may be just the place for you.

PRODUCT INTEGRITY & WEAR TESTING ANALYST (Apparel, Accessories & Footwear)

What will you do?

Reporting to the Director, Development (Smartwool), this role will be responsible for all Smartwool product categories (apparel, accessories & footwear). Our sock product line is managed by our Sock Development team based in Chattanooga.

A day in the life of the Product Integrity & Wear Testing Analyst at Smartwool (SW) looks a little like this.

You will play a vital role in tracking technical materials & product testing information and ensuring we have the data in place to substantiate product performance claims. You’ll collaborate with teams to ensure SW is compliant with the ever-growing global regulatory labeling and compliance on all Apparel, Accessories and Footwear product. You will also manage the wear testing during the materials development process to support the validation of new materials for durability & physical performance properties.

You will be a partner with the Sock team as needed, but the Chattanooga-based team will manage the compliance portion for this product category to ensure Smartwool & icebreaker responsibilities are managed appropriately. Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.

• Manage the validation of seasonal performance & sustainability claims & risk assessment by partnering with SW materials team, VF internal resources & cross functional teams such as; Product Stewardship, Legal, E-Commerce, Marketing, and VF Lab to analyze materials & finished goods testing results and how they impact the desired end use of the product.
• Build & maintain a master performance testing file to formalize history and maintain current status of testing performance records of commercialized fabrics.
• Maintain materials testing manuals and annual publication / updates in alignment with Smartwool & icebreaker & Product Stewardship. Support for any future VF Testing Harmonization projects.
• Manage wear testing to support validation of seasonal materials. Note, this does not include wear testing for style, fit or consumer validation.
• Support materials & trims manager to facilitate any addition testing in Denver based Rino Lab on development and partner to resolve any issues on SMS.
• Partner with VF Product Stewardship & Legal teams on content disclosures, compliance reporting for current laws & future global requirements. Manage all formalities for documentation & information on product claims(ie: UPF technical file management, Footwear testing, requirements for APAC market testing)
• Partner with Product Stewardship, Smartwool Director of Sustainability & icebreaker Sustainability Manager, track & prepare information for EU and US regulatory changes, ensuring compliance with the changing landscape of product compliance documentation. Manage completion of compliance documentation requests & surveys for SW retailers(ie: Special requests for SW retailers, Responsible Inventory Initiative, AGEC French compliance, Product Digital Passport)
• Partner with Brand Quality & Materials teams as 1st point of contact for bulk production quality issues related to materials and subsequent corrective action plans. Consult with Quality Team for any Bulk Failures / Root cause analysis.
• Support Data accuracy in current & future (ie: FLEX, Inter-Link) systems for all materials testing tracking & test reports
• Support Development team with Care & Content validation and entry into PLM (product line management) system, validation of product care instructions and workbook proofing for information related to product claims & content.
• Support ongoing process improvement as Smartwool brand grows and regions expand and assist on seasonal material developments as needed.

What do you need to succeed?

We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you’ll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 3-5 years of experience and professional achievements.

The foundation skills you will need in this position are:

• 3-5 years of experience in Product Development and practical use of material testing apparatus and understanding of material performance claims.
• Demonstrated knowledge of material test methods, testing apparatus, interpretation of test results and how it impacts desired product performance claims
• Understanding of product category, product materials, and product development lifecycle.
• Ability to manage multiple seasonal calendars in a fast-paced environment.
• Deadline driven with a track record for delivering on time.
• Growth Mindset and enthusiasm for learning new tools, problem-solving and actioning on feedback
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills, with clear and accurate verbal and written communication to offshore vendors, manufacturers, and VF Sourcing office.
• Establishes strong relationships, including the ability to create trust with cross functional teams.
• Strong proficiency in MS Office software, Adobe Illustrator, PLM programs

Location requirement: This position is in Smartwool’s headquarters based in Denver. Ability to travel domestically and overseas as needed.

There are also a few skills that are not required but preferred.

• Wool experience is a plus.
• Flex PLM system knowledge is a plus

#LI-JB2

Hiring Range:

$77,760.00 USD - $97,200.00 USD annually

Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.