Global Leather & Materials Strategy Lead

Brobston Group; New York (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Brobston Group is seeking an experienced Senior Materials Manager to lead the leather goods and shoes material strategy from concept to commercialization. You will align innovation, quality, sustainability, cost, and speed to market while partnering with design, product management, sourcing, and global teams.

Responsibilities include developing seasonal and long-range material strategies, leading research and supplier partnerships, and advancing responsible sourcing and process improvements

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in leather and materials development, sourcing, or a related field.
• Expertise in material innovation, supplier management, and cost strategies.
• Strong leadership, analytical, communication, project management, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with global sourcing organizations and international supply networks.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and PLM systems; ability to travel internationally 1-2 times annually.

Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal and long-range leather and materials strategies aligned with brand and business objectives.
• Lead material research, development, sourcing, costing, approvals, testing, and commercialization.
• Build supplier and tannery partnerships and resolve development or production issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance responsible sourcing, innovation, and process improvements.
• Maintain material libraries, records, tools, and development workflows.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Project management

Stakeholder management

Material innovation

Sourcing

Cost strategies

Travel planning

Tools

PLM systems

Job description

Brobston Group is seeking an experienced Senior Materials Manager to lead the leather goods and shoes material strategy from concept to commercialization. You will align innovation, quality, sustainability, cost, and speed to market while partnering with design, product management, sourcing, and global teams.

Responsibilities include developing seasonal and long-range material strategies, leading research and supplier partnerships, and advancing responsible sourcing and process improvements