Rachel Zarnow

Director of Raw Materials

Professional Overview
Rachel Zarnow is an accomplished materials management professional with extensive expertise in the apparel industry. As the Director of Raw Materials at J.Crew, she oversees the procurement, quality assurance, and supply chain optimization for a diverse range of fabrics and materials. Zarnow's deep industry knowledge, strategic mindset, and collaborative leadership style have been instrumental in driving operational efficiency and supporting the company's product development initiatives.

Experience Summary

Current Role
In her current role as Director of Raw Materials, Zarnow is responsible for spearheading the strategic sourcing and procurement of all raw materials essential to J.Crew's product lines. She leads a team of specialists in managing vendor relationships, negotiating contracts, and implementing robust quality control measures to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality materials. Zarnow's achievements include streamlining the raw materials procurement process, which resulted in a 12% reduction in material costs over the past two years.

Career Progression
Zarnow joined J.Crew in 2015 as a Manager in the Men's Fabric division, where she honed her expertise in fabric sourcing and supply chain management. Her strong performance and leadership skills led to her promotion to Senior Manager in 2018, and subsequently to her current role as Director of Raw Materials in 2023. Throughout her tenure, Zarnow has played a pivotal role in diversifying the company's supplier base, improving on-time delivery rates, and fostering collaborative partnerships with key industry stakeholders.

Academic Background
Zarnow holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Textile and Apparel Management from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors. She has also completed several executive education programs in supply chain optimization and strategic sourcing, further enhancing her expertise in the industry.

Areas of Expertise

• Raw materials procurement and supply chain management

• Fabric and materials engineering

• Quality assurance and compliance

• Vendor relationship management

• Strategic planning and process optimization

• Cross-functional collaboration and leadership

Professional Impact
Zarnow's contributions have been recognized both within J.Crew and across the broader apparel industry. She has been a driving force behind the company's successful implementation of sustainable sourcing practices, leading to J.Crew's recognition as a leader in environmentally-conscious fashion. Additionally, Zarnow's expertise has been sought after by industry associations, where she has served as a guest speaker and panelist, sharing her insights on best practices in raw materials management.

Conclusion
With her deep industry knowledge, strategic mindset, and proven track record of driving operational excellence, Rachel Zarnow is a valuable asset to J.Crew's leadership team. In her role as Director of Raw Materials, she continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the company's product development, supply chain resilience, and overall business growth.