Material Innovation Manager (Trims & Fabric) - US Brand

Michael Page (Hong Kong); Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page International (Hong Kong) Limited seeks a senior professional to lead fabric, trim, and material innovation across APAC. You will identify emerging trends, manage supplier partnerships, and work with Design, Product Development, Merchandising, and Sourcing to commercialise new materials.

The role requires 5–8+ years in fabric development or materials management, with at least 3 years in a senior APAC-facing position, and fluency in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Textile, Fashion Design, Material Engineering, or related discipline.
• 5+ years in fabric development, trim sourcing, textile innovation, or materials management.
• Minimum 3 years in a senior-level role with APAC regional responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead fabric, trim, and material innovation across APAC, identifying trends and opportunities.
• Build and manage strategic partnerships with mills, trim suppliers, and innovation partners.
• Collaborate with Design, Product Development, Merchandising, and Sourcing to bring materials from concept to commercialization.
• Drive value engineering and sourcing strategies to optimise cost while maintaining quality and brand integrity.
• Develop and maintain a future-focused material roadmap and seasonal materials library.
• Champion sustainable material solutions and ensure compliance with global standards.
• Protect and enhance the brand's material identity through premium fabric, trim, and finish selections.
• Act as regional SME, providing material insights, trend direction, and supplier innovation.

Skills

Fabric development

Material innovation

Sourcing

Trend forecasting

Cross-functional collaboration

PLM systems

Adobe Creative Suite

English

Education

Bachelor's degree in Textile, Fashion Design, Material Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

PLM systems

Adobe Creative Suite

Trend forecasting platforms

Job description

• Drive Trend & Material Innovation
• Influence Product & Brand Direction

About Our Client

Our client is a globally recognised premium lifestyle brand with a rich heritage spanning over a century. Renowned for its strong connection to sport, street culture, fashion, and self-expression, the company designs and manufactures market-leading apparel and accessories distributed across major international markets.

Job Description

• Lead fabric, trim, and material innovation across APAC, identifying emerging trends and new development opportunities.
• Build and manage strategic partnerships with mills, trim suppliers, and innovation partners to deliver quality, cost, and speed advantages.
• Collaborate with Design, Product Development, Merchandising, and Sourcing teams to bring innovative materials from concept to commercialisation.
• Drive value engineering and sourcing strategies that optimise cost while maintaining product quality and brand integrity.
• Develop and maintain a future-focused material roadmap and seasonal materials library.
• Champion sustainable material solutions and ensure compliance with global regulatory standards.
• Protect and enhance the brand's material identity through premium fabric, trim, and finish selections.
• Act as the regional subject matter expert, providing material insights, trend direction, and supplier innovation across the business.

The Successful Applicant

• Bachelor's degree in Textile, Fashion Design, Material Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5-8+ years of experience in fabric development, trim sourcing, textile innovation, or materials management, preferably in Performance wear
• Minimum 3 years in a senior-level role with APAC regional responsibility.
• Strong knowledge of both fashion and performance textiles, trims, manufacturing processes, and material technologies.
• Established network of mills, trim suppliers, and innovative material partners across Asia.
• Experience with PLM systems, Adobe Creative Suite, and trend forecasting platforms
• Fluent in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

What's on Offer

Attractive package will be offered to the shortlisted candidate.