Michelle Azzollini
Hoboken,NJ
Summary
Dedicated fabric professional with a history of meeting company goals, streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast paced settings. A collaborative leader complemented by a versatile mix of strategic vision.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Fabric R&D/Operations Lauren
Ralph Lauren
06.2017 - 07.2024
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Monitored office workflow and administrative processes to keep operations running smoothly.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
- Increased company revenue by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
Director, Fabric R&D/Operations: Womens Collection
Ralph Lauren
06.2016 - 06.2017
- Ensured fabrication aesthetics are translated for ultimate quality while maintaining Mr. Lauren's design vision.
- Managed fabric operations team in Bologna, Italy ensuring strategic fabric placements
- Lead seasonal fabric reviews; coordinating mill, design, factories, inspection facilities
- Platformed core fabrications to ensure faster overall lead-times and price break advantages
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Led fabric round table weekly line status meetings
- Sourced all European based fabrications for most effective raw material/production sourcing target
Director, Fabric Operations/Global Sourcing: Polo Women
Ralph Lauren
01.2015 - 06.2016
- Applied in-depth knowledge of technical fabrics to collaborate with partners, ensuring the proper end-use and rigorous testing protocols for garments, enhancing product quality and performance.
- Researched market fabric innovations, trends, cost comparisons to provide and guide design teams on proper vendor sourcing
- Analyzed current market trends and competitive pricing data to negotiate favorable terms and cost reductions with suppliers
- Delegated/lead team in prioritizing day to day responsibilities while coaching and developing for future growth
Senior Manager, Fabric Operations: Polo Women's
Ralph Lauren
11.2013 - 12.2014
- Instrumental in launching the new global brand from conception to runway and finally into production
- Oversaw a team that managed the sample order and bulk tracking ensuring timely deliveries
- Effectively sourced and developed fabrics while maintaining margin targets as well meet design aesthetics
- Collaborated with production /design teams on bulk lead-times while adhering to corporate calendar goals
- Consulted all design hand offs; identifying areas of concern for testing, wash, impact on final garments
- Managed product integrity by reviewing testing reports, trouble shoot and recommend solutions.
Manager, Fabric Operations: Blue Label & Rugby Shirts
RALPH LAUREN
04.2010 - 11.2013
- Oversaw all aspects of fabric development from initial sample order requests to bulk production
- Ordered all proto/sample yardages and ensured target delivery dates were met according to corporate calendar
- Partnered with cross-functional teams to ensure calendar milestones
Manager, Textile Sales & Development/Production
OLAH, Inc.
12.2000 - 04.2010
- Represented international fabric/denim manufacturers
- Coordinated high profile accounts ensuring all aspects of fabric development from initial design process through final bulk production
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Directed wash & communication of formulation between the client/ factory
- Negotiated price, delivery, letter of credits, performa invoices with production teams to the garment factories
- Crafted and executed marketing strategies that were effectively tailored to our clients needs
- Assisted in the launch/planning of The Kingpins Show
Education
Bachelor in Applied Science - Production Management: Textiles
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NY05.1997
Associate of Applied Science - Fashion Buying/Merchandising
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NY05.1995
Skills
- Fabric Technology, Testing, Color, Print & Wash
- Communication & Presentations
- Strong Negotiation Skills, Costing
- Relationship Building
- Strategic Leadership and Mentoring
- Training & Education
- Full Product Development Life-Cycle
- Product integrity and garment construction
- Testing protocols, compliance, third party inspection
- Project Management
- People Management
- Proficient in PLM, Microsoft 365 applications(outlook, word, excel, powerpoint) Acrobat Pro, Air Table
Timeline
Director, Fabric R&D/Operations Lauren
Ralph Lauren
06.2017 - 07.2024
Director, Fabric R&D/Operations: Womens Collection
Ralph Lauren
06.2016 - 06.2017
Director, Fabric Operations/Global Sourcing: Polo Women
Ralph Lauren
01.2015 - 06.2016
Senior Manager, Fabric Operations: Polo Women's
Ralph Lauren
11.2013 - 12.2014
Manager, Fabric Operations: Blue Label & Rugby Shirts
RALPH LAUREN
04.2010 - 11.2013
Manager, Textile Sales & Development/Production
OLAH, Inc.
12.2000 - 04.2010
Bachelor in Applied Science - Production Management: Textiles
Fashion Institute of Technology
Associate of Applied Science - Fashion Buying/Merchandising
Fashion Institute of Technology