Job Overview
The Head of Materials is an exceptionally experienced textile visionary who will lead our Apparel & Accessories division within the dynamic apparel and accessories space. This pivotal role demands a strategic leader who will directly influence the direction of our design DNA as it relates to our material and trims language in products. You will possess a profound understanding of cutting-edge material innovations and their application in high-performance activewear.
Your Role
As the Head of Materials, you will be the driving force behind our material strategy, responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing innovative material solutions that elevate product performance, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. You will lead a talented team of material specialists, fostering an environment of continuous learning, professional development, and collaborative problem-solving. Your leadership will inspire and empower your team to push boundaries and explore new frontiers in textile technology.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee, manage, and build the Material Development and Sourcing team structure to suit the current state and future scalability.
- Manage processes for all product and material types across apparel and accessories in both synthetic and natural fibers.
- Ensure quality and durability across all product categories as it relates to material functionality and aesthetics.
- Oversee each collection from design concept handover through delivery, driving and improving our calendar efficiency.
- Prepare and lead material presentations to our Commercial partners to support product presentations.
- Ensure we develop materials in line with our sustainability targets and strategies, mindful of cost considerations.
- Build and oversee a material testing process, championing continuous improvement for manufacturing excellence.
- Draft, validate, and manage a material development structure to deliver a clear end-to-end process from design concept to bulk production.
- Guide the material innovation pipeline and collaborate with suppliers to explore co-creation opportunities.
- Oversee and guide price negotiations in partnership with the sourcing team.
- Identify new potential suppliers to support local sourcing strategies.
- Explore new opportunities through fiber content/composition, innovation in products and materials, and sustainability related to circularity and upcycling.
- Cultivate a best-in-class team culture that values curiosity, learning, and development.
Your Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion, Textile R&D, Engineering, or relevant technology.
- 15+ years of experience in material/textile-related fields within consumer products.
- 10+ years of experience leading and developing teams.
- Willingness to travel globally for sourcing, creation trips, supplier meetings, and reviews.
- Experience in product and project management with a capacity to present to diverse groups.
- Expertise in material costing and cost engineering.
- Technical expertise in textiles, combined with a creative vision and proactive attitude.
- Strong collaborative spirit with diverse stakeholders, exceptional communication skills, and emotional intelligence.
- Detail-oriented with the ability to manage change in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
- A deep passion for product development.
- Diplomatic mindset with superb communication and presentation skills in English.
Apply Today
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
On is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a work environment that is fair and inclusive, where all recruitment, advancement, and retention decisions are free from discrimination.