Director, Fabric R&D: Material Innovation & Brand

Gap Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 161,000 - 209,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Merchandise discount

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Employee stock purchase plan

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Job summary

Gap Inc. is seeking a Senior Materials R&D leader to translate the brand aesthetics into executable material strategies that support product creation and innovation.

You will partner with Design to ensure fabrics reflect the creative vision across brand portfolios, while driving sustainability and supplier collaboration. You will guide development from concept through production, leveraging consumer insights, mill partnerships, and market trends to accelerate fabric development and

Qualifications

• Experience translating design vision into material strategies.
• Strong knowledge of fabric constructions, finishes, and dye techniques.
• Proven ability to partner with Design and cross-functional teams across geographies.
• Experience in sustainability and materials integration across brands.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Design as a primary collaborator, translating design vision into seasonal fabric strategies and development.
• Mentor and manage a team of R&D specialists across cross-functional partners.
• Analyze fabric needs and optimize library to support seasonal inspiration.
• Drive fabric innovation by identifying new constructions, finishes, and capabilities.
• Integrate digital tools that enhance textile research and material knowledge management.
• Track fabric development KPIs and risk assessment tools.
• Align fabrics with the Value/Good/Better/Best pricing architecture.
• Create seasonal material direction with boards and trend insights.
• Cost-engineer fabrics to improve quality, margin, and scalability.
• Coordinate with sourcing and mill partners to meet brand priorities.

Skills

Textile development

Fabric innovation

Sustainability

Cross-functional collaboration

Global sourcing

Job description

Gap Inc. is seeking a Senior Materials R&D leader to translate the brand aesthetics into executable material strategies that support product creation and innovation.

You will partner with Design to ensure fabrics reflect the creative vision across brand portfolios, while driving sustainability and supplier collaboration. You will guide development from concept through production, leveraging consumer insights, mill partnerships, and market trends to accelerate fabric development and