Global Materials R&D VP: Fabric Innovation & Strategy

Gap Inc; New York (NY); On-site; USD 275,000 - 330,000; Full time

Job summary

Gap Inc seeks a senior materials leader to drive fabrics innovation, strategic sourcing, and development across Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. You will direct Banana Republic materials leadership and translate brand aesthetics into executable direction.

You will lead color operations, manage the digital color library, and champion a Fabric First mentality across the product-to-market process. Global collaboration with teams in NA and Asia is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in textile design, material science, or related field; post-graduate qualifications preferred
• 15+ years in senior materials roles, with global leadership scope across apparel categories
• Proven experience driving materials innovation in a global, multi-brand, omni-channel enterprise; end-to-end fabric development
• Deep expertise in textile fibers, yarns, knits, wovens, dyeing/finishing; fabric testing and compliance
• Knowledge of sustainable materials and certifications (GOTS, OEKO-TEX)
• Strong cost/value engineering, margin management, and supplier network across regions

Responsibilities

• Lead US-based materials teams with multi-year R&D strategy
• Partner with design, merchandising, production, sourcing to meet brand requirements
• Contribute to global sourcing and product assortment strategies
• Oversee Banana Republic R&D milestones across product calendar
• Research textile trends and consumer preferences to drive innovation
• Set seasonal trend directions aligned with design and industry innovations
• Manage fabric knowledge library and color library
• Ensure sustainability targets are met via material innovation

Skills

Textile design

Material science

Global leadership

Fabric development

Cost engineering

PLM systems

Trend analysis

Executive communication

Vendor network

Sustainability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in textile design or related field

Post-graduate qualifications preferred

Tools

CAD

PLM software

Job description

Gap Inc seeks a senior materials leader to drive fabrics innovation, strategic sourcing, and development across Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. You will direct Banana Republic materials leadership and translate brand aesthetics into executable direction.

You will lead color operations, manage the digital color library, and champion a Fabric First mentality across the product-to-market process. Global collaboration with teams in NA and Asia is expected.