Senior Lead - Apparel Material Development (Performance)
Core
Lead global performance materials strategy, overseeing fabric creation, advanced material development, and technical execution for high-performance apparel.
Role type
Senior Lead, Apparel Material Development (Performance)
Builds
Technical, high-performance apparel materials (knits, wovens, trims) and digital/physical material libraries for global sports product lines.
Domain
Apparel industry + Technical textiles
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work
Required skills
Strategic sourcing of technical textiles, quality assurance process management, multi-season project coordination, sustainability roadmap execution, material lifecycle management, supplier partnership management, technical specification creation, garment construction knowledge (bonding, seam-sealing, knitting), innovation in moisture management/thermoregulation, global travel to mills/factories, cross-functional collaboration, mentorship of junior specialists.
Preferred skills
Master's degree in Textile Engineering/Technology, experience with innovative synthetics, extensive Asia-based supplier collaboration.
Technologies
PLM systems
Responsibilities
Define and lead creation/strategic sourcing of high-performance materials; establish fabric availability standards and quality assurance processes; lead material development workstreams across multiple seasons; drive material-specific sustainability targets; create and maintain material specifications and documentation; manage material lifecycle and testing for high-intensity sports applications; build strategic relationships with T2 material suppliers and T1 factory teams; contribute to digital and physical apparel material library development; collaborate cross-functionally with Design, Product Management, Innovation, and Sustainability teams.
Seniority
Senior Lead, hands-on IC with mentorship responsibilities