Accessories Raw Materials Innovator

ALO; Commerce (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ALO in California is seeking a Raw Material Developer – Accessories to lead material development for bags, hats, and other soft goods, translating design intent into technical material specs and ensuring quality, cost, sustainability, and manufacturability. You will partner with Design, Product Development, Sourcing, Quality, and suppliers to bring innovative materials to market on time.

The role covers sourcing and evaluating materials, establishing specifications, testing performance, managing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in textiles/materials related fields.
• 4+ years in raw material development for accessories or related categories.
• Strong understanding of soft materials, trims, and hardware used in accessories construction.
• Experience with testing requirements and failure modes for accessories materials.
• Experience managing suppliers and commercialization across multiple vendors/regions.
• Proficiency in PLM, Excel, and development tracking tools.
• Strong technical problem-solving and material judgment.
• Ability to balance aesthetics, quality, cost, and manufacturability.
• Clear, effective cross-functional communication.
• Organized and detail-oriented with multi-timeline management.
• Collaborative supplier and stakeholder management skills.
• Sustainability initiatives knowledge (recycled content, traceability, etc.).
• Understanding of chemical compliance frameworks for accessories materials.

Responsibilities

• Lead raw material development from concept to commercialization for accessories categories.
• Source and evaluate new materials including wovens, knits, leather, coated fabrics, trims, and hardware.
• Translate design intent into technical material requirements (handfeel, appearance, structure, durability).
• Establish material specifications and validate against performance requirements.
• Partner with Quality/Product Integrity to meet testing and regulatory requirements.
• Troubleshoot material issues and ensure finish consistency.
• Support color approval and bulk consistency across materials and finishes.
• Own cost targets and negotiate pricing with suppliers.
• Identify cost drivers and optimization opportunities.
• Ensure on-time material readiness against calendars and milestones.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships and assess capability/standards.
• Maintain documentation including material specs, BOM, test reports, certificates, and approve history.
• Keep PLM/system data accurate for material codes and supplier details.

Skills

Soft materials expertise

Supplier management

Material testing knowledge

Problem-solving

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Design, Product Development, Fashion Merchandising, or related field

Tools

PLM

Excel

Development tracking tools

Job description

ALO in California is seeking a Raw Material Developer – Accessories to lead material development for bags, hats, and other soft goods, translating design intent into technical material specs and ensuring quality, cost, sustainability, and manufacturability. You will partner with Design, Product Development, Sourcing, Quality, and suppliers to bring innovative materials to market on time.

The role covers sourcing and evaluating materials, establishing specifications, testing performance, managing