Global Fabric R&D Lead

DICK'S Sporting Goods; Coraopolis (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

DICK’S Sporting Goods is seeking a Global Manager, Fabric R&D to lead development and bulk approval of fabrics across all apparel lines. You will work closely with Creative Design and Global Sourcing to troubleshoot, train teams on FIS verification, and manage mill partnerships.

The role requires expertise in textiles, activewear fabrics, and strong project leadership, with travel up to 20%. This is a full-time on-site position in the Pittsburgh area.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Supervisory and leadership capabilities.
• Ability to drive projects and manage project teams.
• Ability to travel up to 20%.
• Technical knowledge of yarns, fabrics, dyeing, printing, and finishing processes.
• Expertise in textile construction.

Responsibilities

• Supports Design R&D trend by attending relevant shows, visiting mills to explore innovative ideas, build up partnerships and ensure fabric library is maintained.
• Acts as specialist in textiles with deep understanding of active/outdoor performance wear fabrics, advising on engineered fabric needs and pricing.
• Works across all apparel for vertical brands and collaborates with suppliers to engineer new fabrics and approve bulk fabric quality.
• Oversees receipt and organization of bulk fabric approvals for all fabrics.
• Researches, vets and on-boards new mills.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Project management

Travel 20%

Textile knowledge

Fabric construction

Education

Bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering or similar

Job description

DICK’S Sporting Goods is seeking a Global Manager, Fabric R&D to lead development and bulk approval of fabrics across all apparel lines. You will work closely with Creative Design and Global Sourcing to troubleshoot, train teams on FIS verification, and manage mill partnerships.

The role requires expertise in textiles, activewear fabrics, and strong project leadership, with travel up to 20%. This is a full-time on-site position in the Pittsburgh area.