Sr. Director, Raw Materials

Carhartt; Dearborn (MI); Hybrid; 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

Position Details:

Title: Senior Director, Raw Materials

Department: Global Product Development

Reports to: Vice President, Global Product Development

Location: Dearborn

Job Classification: Hybrid

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Band: Executive

Job Summary

The Senior Director of Raw Materials will lead the strategic vision and execution of Carhartt’s raw material development across all product categories inclusive of PPE/regulatory, driving innovation, quality, and performance from concept through commercialization. This role is responsible for building and executing a dynamic 3-year roadmap that delivers a robust pipeline of seasonal fabrics, trims, packaging, and labeling solutions while advancing material research for future product horizons, all aligned with Carhartt’s standards for durability, functionality, and consumer expectations. As a key member of the Product Creation leadership team, this individual will champion cross-functional collaboration with Merchandising, Design, Consumer Insights, Sourcing, and Quality to deliver materials that are work-worthy, commercially viable, and aligned with Carhartt’s brand promise. The Senior Director will also foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring Carhartt remains the industry leader in durable workwear.

Inspired by Hard Work

At Carhartt, the values of hard work—dependability, honesty, and trust—are rooted in the legacy of our founder, Hamilton Carhartt. His commitment to serving hardworking people continues to inspire everything we do. Guided by his legacy and our mission—We serve and protect all hardworking people by building durable products—we remain dedicated to upholding these principles in every decision we make and every product we create.

Associate 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 to grow future leaders within the department.
• Establish and manage the annual operating budget to support growth, profitability, and operational efficiency.
• Define and lead the 3-year strategic plan for raw materials and development aligned with corporate goals.
• Own the seasonal raw material development calendar and workflow to support Go-To-Market timelines.
• Drive the development of new fabrics, trims, packaging, and labeling solutions from concept to approval.
• Ensure all materials meet Carhartt’s rigorous standards for quality, durability, and performance, while simultaneously integrating consumer insights into material development to ensure relevance and authenticity.
• Partner with Quality and Product Supply teams to ensure seamless commercialization from development to production. Collaborate with Sourcing and Procurement to optimize cost, lead times, and vendor capabilities.
• Serve as a subject matter expert to Merchandising and Marketing, supporting product storytelling and performance messaging.
• In conjunction with team leaders, identify and implement process improvements and new technologies to enhance efficiency and innovation.
• Oversee vendor onboarding and training to ensure alignment with Carhartt’s development standards and expectations.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree inTextile Science, Apparel Design, Materials Engineering, or a related field required; Master’s degree or executive education inBusiness, Supply Chain, or Innovation Managementis a plus.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum12 years of experiencein raw material development within theapparel or textile industry, with a strong emphasis on innovation, quality, and performance.
• Minimum8 years of leadership experiencemanaging high-performing, cross-functional product development teams.
• Demonstrated ability tobalance strategic vision (50%) with hands‑on execution (50%), andtechnical expertise (30%) with leadership (70%).
• Experience building and executingmulti-year roadmapsaligned with corporate growth and sustainability goals.
• Strong understanding ofmill capabilities, global supply chain dynamics, andraw material cost structures, fabric construction, finishing techniques, trim engineering, color development, andmaterial testing standards.
• Familiarity withsustainability certifications(e.g., OEKO-TEX, GOTS, bluesign) andcompliance standards.
• Experience withPLM systems, material libraries, and digital development toolsis preferred.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence and engage at all levels, including executive leadership and global vendor partners.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability toprioritize, delegate, and deliverin a fast‑paced, deadline-driven environment.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Domestic and international travel (up to 20%)
• Physical lifting may be required (approximately 25 lbs.)
• Typical office environment. Extended periods of time sitting, standing, typing on a computer is required.
• This position has a Hybrid location: Associate will work on‑site regularly as needed for work activities.
• Carhartt is a tobacco free workplace.

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