Research And Development Specialist

Dickies®; Ticino; On-site; CHF 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Dickies® in Switzerland’s Ticino region seeks a senior materials developer to advance fabrics, trims, and accessories for fashion with a focus on sustainability and performance. You will collaborate with design to ensure material choices reflect the brand identity and market targets.

Responsibilities include leading supplier negotiations, coordinating prototyping and testing, and managing PLM data across the development cycle to ensure alignment with timelines and budgets.

Qualifications

• Experience in fashion/materials development and testing.
• Understanding of sustainability standards and regulatory context.
• Experience with supplier management and cost negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop new materials aligned with performance, design, and brand identity.
• Design and optimize accessories like buttons, zippers, buckles, and straps.
• Lead supplier negotiations on pricing, lead times, and terms.
• Coordinate prototyping and testing phases for new materials.
• Manage PLM data, sourcing details, and approvals.

Skills

Materials research

Supplier negotiation

PLM data management

Prototype coordination

Sustainability focus

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science

Tools

PLM software

Job description

The R&D is an expert in the research and development of materials and accessories for the fashion industry.

Operating with a high level of autonomy, they innovate and improve fabrics, trims, and accessories, ensuring they meet the brand’s technical, aesthetic, and sustainability standards. All developments must align with the company’s business goals, timeline objectives, and target price structures.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research and develop new materials (fabrics, trims, accessories) aligned with performance, design, brand identity, and target price requirements.
• Design and optimize accessories such as buttons, zippers, buckles, straps, cords, etc., ensuring technical reliability and consistency with the creative vision.
• Develop sustainable and low environmental impact materials, proactively sourcing innovative solutions from the market.
• Collaborate closely with design teams to ensure material selection supports creative intent and technical feasibility.
• Forecast seasonal material needs based on collection strategy and development timelines.
• Monitor and test the technical performance of all developed materials and ensure they meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers regarding material pricing, MOQ, lead times, and payment terms, in alignment with business targets.
• Place and monitor material orders in coordination with procurement and development calendars.
• Analyze, source, and evaluate suppliers for fabrics and trims, selecting the most suitable partners based on quality, pricing, and capacity.
• Oversee the development and optimization of prints and allover patterns, working closely with the style team to identify the most suitable base materials.
• Stay informed on industry innovations, sustainability trends, and technological advancements, integrating them into material development where relevant.
• Manage all material-related data within the PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) system, including sourcing details, pricing, technical specifications, and approvals.
• Coordinate prototyping and internal/external testing phases for new materials to validate performance and usability.