Materials Development Manager

The People Brand; Rigby (ID); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Onsite collaboration Tue–Thu

Job summary

The People Brand in Rigby, Idaho, is seeking a Materials Development Manager to lead the materials strategy and execution across multiple technical apparel lines. The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, innovative textile solutions, and cross-functional collaboration with Design, Product Development, Sourcing, and Operations.

With a focus on advancing material performance and cost targets, you will manage a small team, develop partnerships with mills and suppliers, and drive material testing,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Textile Development, Materials Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years in materials or textile development within technical apparel or performance products.
• Technical outerwear experience required; experience with protective apparel, motorsports, or winter sports products preferred.
• Strong expertise in waterproof/breathable fabrics, insulation technologies, and protective textiles.
• Demonstrated experience managing global supplier networks and strategic mill partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of two while defining and executing material development strategies aligned with product roadmaps and business objectives.
• Provide coaching, performance management, and professional development to strengthen team capabilities.
• Establish priorities and manage workloads across seasonal development calendars to ensure timely execution.
• Oversee the development and commercialization of innovative materials, ensuring performance, durability, quality, and cost objectives are achieved.
• Drive material innovation by identifying emerging technologies, textile advancements, and new supplier capabilities.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with global mills, suppliers, and development partners.
• Partner cross-functionally with Design, Product Development, Sourcing, and Operations to align material direction with product requirements.
• Oversee material testing, validation, and compliance standards to ensure consistent product performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve development processes, operational efficiency, and speed to market.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to support data-driven decision-making.
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to materials, suppliers, costing, and development timelines.
• Oversee material library strategy and infrastructure to support seasonal development and long-term innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Technical Expertise

Strategic Thinking

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Textile Development or Materials Engineering

Job description

Confidential Search | Technical Apparel & Performance Outerwear

Location: Rigby, ID | Hybrid (Tuesday–Thursday Onsite)

Position Overview

We are partnering with a leading performance apparel and outdoor lifestyle organization seeking a Materials Development Manager to lead the strategy, direction, and execution of materials development across multiple technical apparel product lines.

This individual will drive the evolution of the materials function, delivering high-performance, innovative solutions aligned with product and business objectives. The role combines deep technical expertise with hands‑on leadership, overseeing a small team while driving material innovation, supplier partnerships, and cross‑functional collaboration.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape material strategy and influence product performance within a growing portfolio of established performance brands.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of two while defining and executing material development strategies aligned with product roadmaps and business objectives.
• Provide coaching, performance management, and professional development to strengthen team capabilities.
• Establish priorities and manage workloads across seasonal development calendars to ensure timely execution.
• Oversee the development and commercialization of innovative materials, ensuring performance, durability, quality, and cost objectives are achieved.
• Drive material innovation by identifying emerging technologies, textile advancements, and new supplier capabilities.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with global mills, suppliers, and development partners.
• Partner cross-functionally with Design, Product Development, Sourcing, and Operations to align material direction with product requirements.
• Oversee material testing, validation, and compliance standards to ensure consistent product performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve development processes, operational efficiency, and speed to market.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to support data-driven decision‑making.
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to materials, suppliers, costing, and development timelines.
• Oversee material library strategy and infrastructure to support seasonal development and long‑term innovation.

Desired Competencies

• Leadership: Ability to inspire, coach, and develop team members while establishing clear priorities and accountability.
• Collaboration: Strong cross‑functional partnership skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across multiple disciplines.
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of performance textiles, material construction, testing, and commercialization.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to balance long‑term innovation initiatives with seasonal execution and business priorities.
• Problem‑Solving: Strong analytical skills and sound judgment in navigating technical challenges and competing priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Textile Development, Materials Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in materials or textile development within technical apparel or performance products.
• Technical outerwear experience required; experience with protective apparel, motorsports, or winter sports products preferred.
• Strong expertise in waterproof/breathable fabrics, insulation technologies, and protective textiles.
• Demonstrated experience managing global supplier networks and strategic mill partnerships.
• Proven ability to establish priorities and manage multiple development initiatives across seasonal timelines.
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross‑functional influence skills.
• Advanced analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making capabilities.
• Thorough understanding of apparel manufacturing, material costing, and product applications.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10%.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Work Environment: Hybrid schedule based in Rigby, Idaho, with onsite collaboration Tuesday through Thursday.