Global Materials & Fabric Innovation Director

Carhartt, Inc.; Dearborn (MI); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Carhartt, Inc. in Dearborn, MI is seeking a Director of Global Material Creation to lead fabric development across knits, wovens, denim and related materials.

This role drives global specifications and material strategies, coordinating with external partners and cross-functional teams to ensure innovative products and strong supply chain resilience. The position requires a deep technical background in textiles, significant leadership experience, and the ability to guide multi-year material

Qualifications

• Minimum ten years of progressive experience in product development. Apparel industry preferred.
• Minimum six years of leadership experience.
• Strong technical fabric development background. Apparel industry preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership in development with a focus on innovation and quality.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills and aptitude.
• Demonstrated ability to build and foster business relationships with cross functional teams, and internal and external partners.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; and exceptional listener and communicator who effectively conveys information verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and negotiate.
• Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize workload, delegate work and concurrently manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Coach, mentor and develop material creation teams consisting of managers of Knit, Woven, Rainwear/Insulation and Resourcing.
• Oversee team budget by ensuring accurate monthly/quarterly guidance.
• Lead the strategic development of fabric. Provide vision and strategic direction linked with corporate strategies and initiatives.
• Support the development of marketing product claims by providing performance data and testing.
• Oversee the identification, research and vetting of new raw material suppliers which will strengthen Carhartt’s global supply chain and/or bring new technologies/innovation to our business.
• Support the Sr Director in establishing the multi-year material strategy.
• Direct and execute strategic material direction for all assigned materials.
• Develop a network of sources for the development of raw materials.
• Analyze and resolve quality issues related to all assigned materials.

Skills

Fabric development

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Relationship building

Communication

Negotiation

Organization

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s in Textiles/Related

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Carhartt, Inc. in Dearborn, MI is seeking a Director of Global Material Creation to lead fabric development across knits, wovens, denim and related materials.

This role drives global specifications and material strategies, coordinating with external partners and cross-functional teams to ensure innovative products and strong supply chain resilience. The position requires a deep technical background in textiles, significant leadership experience, and the ability to guide multi-year material