Raw Materials Specialist

designerbrands; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

designerbrands seeks a Raw Materials Specialist to turn design concepts into material solutions balancing aesthetics, quality, cost, and sustainability across our owned brands. You will partner with Design, Sourcing, Product Development, and global suppliers, reporting to the Director, Raw Materials.

In this hybrid New York City role, you will develop leathers and trims, attend shows, and drive material innovations while aligning development with brand strategies.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of leather and materials R&D experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Textile, Fashion Design, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of leather, materials, finishing techniques; footwear experience preferred.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop leathers, materials, and trims for seasonal product strategies.
• Partner with Design and Sourcing to align material development with brand and product goals.
• Attend industry trade shows to stay current on materials and technologies.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships and track development milestones.
• Support sustainability initiatives, traceability, and compliance throughout the process.

Skills

Leather knowledge

Materials knowledge

Construction methods

Finishing techniques

Footwear experience

Product development

Analytical skills

Communication

Relationship-building

Education

Bachelor's in Textile/Fashion Design 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.

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.