Senior Director, Raw Materials & Product Innovation

Carhartt; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Carhartt seeks a Senior Director of Raw Materials to lead strategic vision and execution across product categories, driving innovative, durable materials from concept to commercialization.

Based in Dearborn with hybrid work, this role partners with Merchandising, Design, Consumer Insights, Sourcing, and Quality to deliver work-ready materials that reinforce Carhartt’s brand promise and industry leadership in durable workwear.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Science, Apparel Design, Materials Engineering, or a related field.
• Master’s degree or executive education in Business, Supply Chain, or Innovation Management is a plus.
• 12+ years of experience in raw material development in apparel/textile.
• 8+ years of leadership in cross-functional product development teams.

Responsibilities

• Inspire, coach, and lead the Material Creation organization and strategy for Fabric & Trim Creation, PPE/Regulatory, Material Research, Color Development, and Packaging & Labeling teams.
• Build a high-performing team culture focused on innovation, accountability, and consumer-centric thinking; develop succession plans and career paths.
• Establish and manage the annual operating budget to support growth and profitability.
• Define and lead the 3-year strategic plan for raw materials and development.
• Own the seasonal raw material development calendar and workflow for Go-To-Market timelines.
• Drive development of new fabrics, trims, packaging, and labeling from concept to approval.
• Ensure materials meet rigorous standards of quality, durability, and performance with consumer insights.
• Partner with Quality and Product Supply to ensure seamless commercialization; collaborate with Sourcing to optimize cost and lead times.
• Serve as SME to Merchandising/Marketing for product storytelling and performance messaging.
• Identify and implement process improvements and new technologies to enhance efficiency.
• Oversee vendor onboarding and training to align with development standards.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Materials development

Project management

Communication

Innovation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Textile Science, Apparel Design, Materials Engineering, or related field

Master’s degree or exec ed in Business, Supply Chain, or Innovation Management

Tools

PLM systems

Digital development tools

Material libraries

Job description

Carhartt seeks a Senior Director of Raw Materials to lead strategic vision and execution across product categories, driving innovative, durable materials from concept to commercialization.

Based in Dearborn with hybrid work, this role partners with Merchandising, Design, Consumer Insights, Sourcing, and Quality to deliver work-ready materials that reinforce Carhartt’s brand promise and industry leadership in durable workwear.