Senior Materials Development & Innovation Leader

Thepeoplebrand; Rigby (ID); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Thepeoplebrand is seeking a seasoned Materials Development Manager to lead strategy, direction, and execution of materials development across multiple performance-driven product lines.

You will guide the evolution of the materials function, partnering with internal teams and external suppliers to drive long-term innovation, quality, and scalability. This on-site role offers hybrid work in the Mountain West region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; degrees in textile development or materials engineering preferred.
• 2-3 sentences describing experience in materials or textile development for technical products.
• Experience in technical outerwear; powersports or related performance apparel is a plus.
• Expertise in waterproof/breathable fabrics, insulation technology, and protective textiles.
• Strong leadership with global supplier management experience.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small materials team while defining and driving the material development strategy aligned to brand vision, product roadmaps, and business goals.
• Manage and develop the materials team through hiring, coaching, performance management, and capability building.
• Oversee development and implementation of new materials, ensuring performance, durability, quality, and cost objectives.
• Own and advance the material innovation pipeline by identifying new technologies and supplier capabilities.
• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships with mills and development partners.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Design, Product Development, Sourcing, and Operations.
• Oversee material testing standards and validation processes.
• Drive continuous improvement of material development processes for efficiency and speed to market.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to inform decisions and improve outcomes.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to materials and timelines.
• Oversee material library strategy and infrastructure.

Skills

Materials development

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Supplier management

Materials testing

Product development

Education

Bachelor's degree in textiles or materials engineering

Tools

Materials testing equipment

Job description

Thepeoplebrand is seeking a seasoned Materials Development Manager to lead strategy, direction, and execution of materials development across multiple performance-driven product lines.

You will guide the evolution of the materials function, partnering with internal teams and external suppliers to drive long-term innovation, quality, and scalability. This on-site role offers hybrid work in the Mountain West region.