VP Materials R&D
Core
Lead materials innovation, strategic fabric sourcing, and development across Gap Inc brands (Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta), translating brand aesthetics into executable direction.
Role type
VP of Materials R&D
Builds
Multi-year fabric R&D strategy, seasonal fabric developments, and a 'Fabric First' product-to-market process.
Domain
Apparel industry, textile engineering, and global supply chain.
Required skills
Global materials leadership, fabric R&D strategy, textile trend analysis, cost/value engineering, vendor/mill network management, sustainable material innovation, color library management, PLM systems proficiency.
Preferred skills
Post-graduate qualifications in textile/material science, experience with technical fabrics (performance, seamless), knowledge of certifications (GOTS, OEKO-TEX), transformation leadership.
Technologies
PLM systems, CAD tools, digital color library platforms.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute multi-year fabric R&D strategy; partner with design, merchandising, and sourcing teams; lead Banana Republic R&D team; research global textile trends and consumer preferences; set seasonal trend direction; analyze fabric needs across the company; establish fabric development KPIs; manage color library and custom color development; ensure sustainability targets are met.
Seniority
Executive (VP level), global leadership scope.