Material Research & Development Manager

G/FORE; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

G/FORE in Los Angeles seeks a Material Research & Development Manager to lead material strategy, supplier development, and commercialization from concept to production.

You will partner with Design, Product Development, and Production to ensure fabrics meet brand vision, performance targets, and calendars while building a global supplier network and driving continuous improvement across quality, cost, and lead times.

Qualifications

• Experience leading material strategy programs.
• Strong supplier management experience across fabrics, trims, and finishes.
• Ability to translate brand vision into material specifications and cost targets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term material strategies aligned to brand direction, product needs and margin targets.
• Identify innovative fabrics, yarns, finishes, and trims to elevate product and differentiate the brand.
• Own material commercialization from concept through production, ensuring readiness against milestones and deadlines.
• Partner with Design and Product Development at season start to guide material direction and feasibility.
• Build, manage, and optimize a global supplier network and strengthen existing relationships.
• Drive continuous improvements in material quality, cost, and lead-time efficiency.
• Oversee material libraries and platforms to ensure accuracy and consistency across teams.
• Lead testing and ensure compliance with performance and regulatory standards.
• Review lab dips, strike-offs, knit downs, bulk approvals, and prototypes for alignment with design intent.
• Negotiate pricing, MOQs, lead times, and development capabilities with suppliers.
• Analyze material data, reporting, and testing outcomes to identify risks and opportunities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve material issues and integrate into timelines.
• Attend fabric shows and mill visits to stay ahead of trends and strengthen partnerships.

Skills

Material strategy

Supplier management

Cross-functional leadership

Process improvement

Job description

Born in Los Angeles but bred with a global perspective, G/FORE was conceptualized with a passion for modern design combined with a love of golf. Distinguished by our attention to detail, sophisticated ease, playful nature, youthful energy and sense of humor. We consistently strive to make a powerful and colourful impact on our favourite game. We take inspiration from art, architecture, modern design, and colourful narratives. Our intent is to disrupt the industry without being disrespectful to the sport and its rich traditions.

The Material Research & Development Manager serves as a strategic and technical leader responsible for driving material innovation, sourcing strategy, and commercialization across fabrics and trims from concept through production.

This role partners closely with Design, Product Development, and Production to ensure materials support brand vision, performance requirements, cost targets, and seasonal calendars. The individual will act as the primary owner of material strategy, supplier relationships, and development execution, enabling scalable, high-quality, and commercially viable product outcomes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead the development and execution of seasonal and long-term material strategies aligned to brand direction, product needs, and margin targets
• Identify, evaluate, and introduce innovative fabrics, yarns, finishes, and trims that elevate product and differentiate the brand
• Own material commercialization from concept through production, ensuring readiness against key milestones and deadlines
• Partner with Design and Product Development at the outset of each season to guide material direction and feasibility
• Build, manage, and optimize a global supplier network, strengthening existing relationships while onboarding new partners as needed
• Drive continuous improvement in material quality, performance, cost, and lead-time efficiency
• Oversee material libraries and approved material platforms to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and consistency across teams
• Lead material development testing, ensuring compliance with performance standards, quality requirements, and regulatory guidelines
• Review lab dips, strike-offs, knit downs, bulk approvals, and prototypes to ensure alignment with design intent and technical standards
• Negotiate pricing, MOQs, lead times, and development capabilities with suppliers to balance innovation and commercial viability
• Analyze material data, reporting, and testing outcomes to identify risks, opportunities, and process improvements
• Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve material issues and ensure seamless integration into product development timelines
• Attend fabric shows, trade events, and mill visits to stay ahead of trends and strengthen supplier partnerships

COMPETENCIES:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with a data-driven mindset
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to influence and collaborate across Design, Product Development, and Production
• Self-directed leader who takes ownership, drives decisions, and improves processes