Manager, Denim Wash Laundry & Wash Development

Who We Are:

Kontoor Brands is a portfolio of three of the world’s most iconic lifestyle, outdoor and workwear brands: Wrangler®, Lee® and Helly Hansen®. Kontoor Brands is a purpose-led organization focused on leveraging its global platform, strategic sourcing model and best-in-class supply chain to drive brand growth and deliver long- term value for its stakeholders.

Job Posting:

KONTOOR EXTERNAL WEBSITE – JOB POSTING

Kontoor US, LLC: Manager, Denim Wash Laundry & Wash Development – Greensboro, North Carolina

DUTIES:

• Lead laundry operations team, using technical background to understand laundry operations and research current trends
• Create and execute physical wash prototype garments and new aesthetics critical to the development of the brand and the business
• Encourage team to explore new techniques and skill sets, create newness and showcase talent through product collections
• Maintain schedule for on time execution of experiments and aesthetic development
• Provide leadership, training, and technical guidance to laundry technicians, building their skills in wash processes, chemical handling, equipment usage, safety, and quality standards.
• Foster an open, inclusive, and innovative work environment that encourages ownership, creativity, and continuous improvement.
• Manage end-to-end wash development projects, ensuring on-time delivery, accuracy, and replication feasibility in bulk production.
• Partner with design and product development engineers to research and execute seasonal and non-seasonal wash collections that reflect market trends and creative direction.
• Experiment with advanced technologies such as ozone, laser, waterless enzyme treatments, and eco-friendly chemicals to develop sustainable and commercially viable finishes.
• Maintain accurate documentation of recipes, processes, timelines, and decisions; monthly updates, and annual reports for stakeholders.
• Set performance goals for associates, evaluate progress, and provide mentorship to support professional development and succession planning.
• Act as liaison with U.S. design teams and vendor partners across Asia and East Africa, ensuring creative concepts are executed accurately and efficiently.
• Support continuous innovation by eliminating hazardous practices (e.g., PP spray, chlorine use) and replacing them with sustainable alternatives.
• Strengthen and leverage business relationship with our design partners and product development teams to foster development growth in the Service Support Center (SSC) development laundry.
• Maintain an open, inclusive, and inspirational work environment that encourages ownership of the process.
• Lead and champion the established vision and direction of Denim Wash Development department.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 10 years hands-on experience designing and executing aesthetic and functional finishes on denim, utilizing vintage to modern techniques.
• 10 years of experience with dyes, chemicals, and industrial laundry equipment used in denim and garment finishing.
• 8 years of experience with product development or product creation within a denim or textile manufacturing environment.
• 2 years of supervisory experience managing production or technical teams in a denim or garment wash operation

LOCATION: 1421 South Elm-Eugene Street, Greensboro, North Carolina 27406

Kontoor Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals. As such, employment decisions at Kontoor are based on merit, qualifications and abilities. Kontoor does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, disability (physical and mental), military and veteran status, HIV/AIDS status, or any other legally protected characteristic. With respect to job postings, Kontoor will comply with any applicable laws, collective bargaining agreements, and affirmative action plans implemented by the specific coalition involved.

Kontoor Brands supports you with a competitive benefits program that provides choice and flexibility to meet your and your family’s needs – now and in the future. We offer resources to support your physical, emotional, social, and financial wellbeing, plus benefits like discounts on our apparel. Kontoor Brands also provides four weeks of Paid Parental Leave to eligible employees who are new parents, Flexible Fridays, and Tuition Reimbursement.

Why Kontoor Brands?

At Kontoor, we offer a comprehensive benefit package to fit your lifestyle. Our benefits are crafted with the same care as our products.

When our employees are healthy, secure, and well, they bring their best selves to work. Kontoor Brands supports you with a competitive benefits program that provides choice and flexibility to meet your and your family’s needs – now and in the future. We offer resources to support your physical, emotional, social, and financial wellbeing, plus benefits like discounts on our apparel. Kontoor Brands also provides four weeks of Paid Parental Leave to eligible employees who are new parents, Flexible Fridays, and Tuition Reimbursement.

We are proud to offer a workplace culture centered on equitable opportunities and a sense of belonging for all team members. Here we have a global workforce of high-performing teams that both unlocks our individual uniqueness and harnesses our collaborative talents.