Raw Materials Specialist

Designer Brands; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Designer Brands seeks a Raw Materials Specialist in New York City for hybrid work. You will develop leathers, materials, and trims, partnering with Design, Sourcing, and Product Development to translate concepts into material solutions balancing aesthetics, quality, cost, and sustainability.

Requires 8+ years in leather/materials R&D and a relevant bachelor's degree, with strong collaboration, analytical, and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in leather and materials research and development.
• Bachelor's degree in Textile, Fashion Design, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop leathers, materials, and trims aligned with seasonal product strategies.
• Collaborate with Design and Sourcing to identify material innovations and trends.
• Manage supplier relationships and digitalization initiatives across the network.
• Support sustainability efforts, traceability, and material approvals throughout development.

Skills

Leather knowledge

Materials R&D

Footwear experience

Analytical skills

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Textile/Fashion or related field

Job description

The Opportunity As a Raw Materials Specialist, you will help bring our product vision to life through innovative leathers, materials, and trims. Partnering closely with Design, Sourcing, Product Development, and global supplier partners, you'll translate creative concepts into material solutions that balance aesthetics, quality, cost, and sustainability across our portfolio of owned brands. This role reports to the Director, Raw Materials.

The Opportunity As a Raw Materials Specialist, you will help bring our product vision to life through innovative leathers, materials, and trims. Partnering closely with Design, Sourcing, Product Development, and global supplier partners, you'll translate creative concepts into material solutions that balance aesthetics, quality, cost, and sustainability across our portfolio of owned brands. This role reports to the Director, Raw Materials.

What You'll Be Doing

Material Development + Innovation

• Research and develop leathers, materials, and trims that support seasonal product strategies.
• Partner with Design teams to identify material innovations, trends, and new development opportunities.
• Attend industry trade shows and supplier presentations to stay current on emerging materials and technologies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Design and Sourcing teams to align material development with brand, product, and sourcing strategies.
• Translate design concepts into clear material direction for sourcing teams and supplier partners.
• Recommend material solutions that support both creative and commercial objectives.

Supplier + Process Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with material suppliers and regional vendors.
• Support material and trim digitalization initiatives across the supplier network.
• Manage material trackers, maintain resource libraries, and help ensure key development milestones are met.

Sustainability + Commercialization

• Apply technical expertise to balance design intent, quality, manufacturability, cost, and margin objectives.
• Support sustainable material initiatives, including traceability, certifications, recycled-content validation, and compliance requirements.
• Support sample development and material approvals throughout the product creation process.

What You'll Need

Experience + Education

• 8+ years of experience in leather and materials research and development.
• Bachelor's degree in Textile, Fashion Design, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.

Skills + Expertise

• Strong knowledge of leather, materials, construction methods, and finishing techniques; footwear experience strongly preferred.
• Understanding of product development and production processes.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to influence and build consensus across cross-functional teams.
• Experience supporting multiple brands and managing competing priorities.
• Knowledge of sustainable materials, traceability programs, and compliance requirements.
• Understanding of current and emerging material trends and supplier capabilities.

Additional Requirements

• Hybrid role based in New York City with an expectation of 3-4 days per week in the office.

Hiring Range Notification

The successful candidate's actual pay rate offer will consider a wide range of job-related factors including skill sets, years and nature of relevant experience, training, pay rates of associates in similar positions, the candidate's location, and other organizational needs. The estimated hiring pay range has been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential. This position may be eligible for additional incentive compensation, which may include bonuses, or other forms of variable pay, subject to applicable program requirements and company discretion. This range does not include benefits such as health insurance, paid or unpaid time off work, and/or retirement benefits, unless required by law. Benefits eligibility may vary based on where you work and your position. Visit https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi/ to learn more!

Job Details

Pay Range

$87000.00 - $109000.00 / hour

Pay Transparency

Company complies with Pay Transparency rules.