Claire Gibson

Lead research, development, sourcing, and color execution of innovative materials for multiple brands in the sportswear category. Developed strategic partnerships with mills and factories, negotiating price and shipping terms of materials. Coordinated with sales team to execute retailer-specific programs, ensure sell through, and manage and execute forecast for 186 fabrics per season. Developed standardized testing protocol to establish strong quality assurance for product. Worked cross-functionally with design and category management on merchandising and development decisions to execute overall brand vision. Worked closely with Category Management, Sourcing, and Product Engineering to deliver high quality products to customers.

Chaired environmental and social sustainability goal setting, policy implementation, and assessment. Directed brand certification for the Responsible Down Standard and implementation of bluesign System Partnership. Ensured regulatory compliance for materials, sustainability, and chemical management. Consulted with industry groups to maintain awareness of sustainability issues, solutions, and initiatives. Educated cross-functional teams internally on initiatives and impacts of design and sourcing decisions to create company alignment and execution of long-term sustainability vision. Educated sales force of approximately 100 representatives on key sustainability initiatives and larger sustainability trends in the Outdoor Industry.

Innovated material development process by developing a digital fabric library and color development method. Assisted with conceptual knit and woven material development. Worked cross-functionally with design and materials teams to streamline work and reduced lab dip requests by up to 50%

Assisted with evaluations and class planning for Visual Merchandising, Global Business Dynamics, Retail Merchandising, Retail Buying, and Introduction to Design. Mentored undergraduate students in Retail Merchandising competitions. Guest lectured Global Business Dynamics classes on government relations and sustainability policies.

Developed relationships with bridal clients and maintained contact to ensure positive customer experience and increase product sell-through. Tracked orders to ensure timely and accurate execution. Worked closely with design and public relations teams to develop e-commerce content, digital marketing assets, and consistent consumer-facing messaging