Director, Fabric R&D, Material Innovation
Core
Lead R&D Materials team to translate brand aesthetic into executable material strategies, developing fabrics from concept to production while supporting design vision and sustainability goals.
Role type
Director, Fabric R&D and Material Innovation
Builds
Seasonal fabric strategies, new fabric constructions, finishes, and dye techniques for global fashion brands
Domain
Fashion industry, textile engineering, global supply chain
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work -> product features (fabrics, material strategies)
Required skills
Textile development expertise, fabric construction knowledge, dye technique mastery, global sourcing process understanding, team leadership, cross-functional partnership, strategic thinking, cost engineering, sustainability integration, market insight analysis
Preferred skills
Digital tools for textile research, data-driven decision making, global travel capability
Technologies
Digital innovation platforms, material knowledge management systems
Responsibilities
Partner with Design to translate vision into seasonal fabric strategies; Manage and mentor R&D specialists; Drive fabric innovation through new constructions and finishes; Collaborate with Mill Management on cost engineering and quality; Integrate sustainable materials into development; Maintain fabric and wash resource library; Execute mill network strategy; Track development KPIs and risk assessments
Seniority
Director, strategic leadership with hands-on technical direction