Materials Innovation Manager - Technical Outerwear (Hybrid)

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

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,