Sr. Manager, Material Development

Fabletics; El Segundo (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Healthcare plans

Annual bonus program

Equity program

Employee discounts

Job summary

Fabletics in El Segundo seeks a Sr. Manager of Material Development to lead end-to-end fabric development, shaping the brand’s material aesthetic and strategic direction. You will manage a team, partner with Design, and drive innovative, cost-effective material solutions for knits, wovens, and performance fabrics.

The role requires deep textile technical mastery, strong leadership, and a strategic mindset to scale ideas into product. Hybrid work and travel to mills/factories are expected.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of fabric development experience across lifestyle and performance fabrics.
• 3+ years managing a team within material development or related functions.
• Deep technical expertise in knit/woven constructions, yarns, fibers, finishes, and printing techniques.
• High taste level and passion for materials and design; able to communicate what makes a material exceptional.
• Proven partnership with Design, balancing creative intent with technical feasibility.
• Direct experience with global fabric mills, managing costs, lead times, and development timelines.
• Strong color acuity and attention to aesthetic detail.
• Experience in leggings/bodywear is a plus.
• Builder mindset; able to create new processes and scale workflows in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally to mills, factories, and trade shows.
• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design, Materials Science, Apparel Design or related field preferred.
• Foundational AI literacy and openness to experimenting with new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end material development roadmap from concept ideation through bulk production approval.
• Define and elevate the materials aesthetic across knits, wovens, and performance fabrics.
• Lead mill and vendor partnerships globally; optimize cost and quality; negotiate pricing and lead times.
• Translate design intent into manufacturable material solutions; embed milestones into the product calendar.
• Collaborate with Design, Production, Merchandising, Product Development, and Sourcing to meet targets.

Skills

Fabric development

Team leadership

Material science

Cross-functional partnership

Color accuracy

Leggings/bodywear expertise

AI literacy

Travel willingness

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design or related field

Tools

PLM systems

Smartsheet

BOM databases

Job description

Job Description

Fabletics is looking for a Sr. Manager, Material Development.

How do you fit in?

As Sr. Manager, Material Development, you will be the creative and technical authority for materials at Fabletics, shaping the aesthetic vision and development strategy for fabrics across the brand. You will lead material development from concept through commercialization. This is a high-impact leadership where impeccable taste meets technical mastery.

You will manage and develop the Sr. R&D Associates, partner closely with Design, and set the standard for what exceptional materials look, feel, and perform like at Fabletics. This role requires deep material expertise, a high taste level, and the strategic mindset to scale ideas into product.

The Sr. Manager, Material Development will report to the Sr. Director, Fabric Development, Innovation & Sourcing.

What you will do:

Material Development & Strategy

• Own the end-to-end material development roadmap, from seasonal concept ideation through bulk production approval.
• Define and elevate the Fabletics materials aesthetic - establishing a high taste level and clear point of view across knits, wovens, and performance fabrics.
• Lead direct mill and vendor partnerships globally, optimizing cost and quality; negotiate pricing and lead times with mills and suppliers. Ensure all quality meets our standards.
• Translate design intent into manufacturable, performance-driven, and commercially viable material solutions; embed material milestones into the product calendar.
• Experience in leggings or bodywear categories is a strong plus.

Innovation & Trend

• Identify global material trends, emerging technologies, and consumer insights, linking them to clear business and aesthetic opportunities.
• Drive material innovation across constructions, finishes, fibers, and sustainability.
• Stay current on competitive landscape, industry developments, and mill capabilities.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Build and sustain strong functional relationships with the Design team — operating as a trusted creative partner who elevates the product vision through materials expertise.
• Collaborate closely with Production, Merchandising, Product Development, and Sourcing to ensure materials meet aesthetic, performance, cost, and delivery targets.
• Communicate complex material findings, risks, and trade-offs clearly to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Champion a culture of curiosity, speed, and continuous improvement.

Team Leadership & People Development

• Directly manage and develop the fabric team — coaching performance, building capability, and fostering a high-standards environment.
• Build scalable workflows and SOPs that elevate quality, accountability, and speed across the material development function.
• Operate as a senior leader within the Fabric, Color, & Trims department — contributing to team strategy, departmental goals, and broader cross-functional initiatives.

Project & Process Management

• Prioritize a high volume of material projects across concurrent seasons and categories.
• Maintain dashboards and reports to track development progress, cost savings, supplier performance, and approvals.
• Establish and publish KPIs tied to material readiness, first-pass approval rates, cost targets, and supplier OTIF.
• Own material data in PLM/BOM systems; ensure accuracy, version control, and visibility.
• Demonstrate systems and data fluency, including Smartsheet and PLM platforms; comfort with AI tools is highly valued.

What you bring:

• 7+ years of fabric development experience, including end-to-end material programs across lifestyle and performance fabrics. Ready-to-wear or fashion brand experience is a plus.
• 3+ years managing a team within material development, R&D, fabric, or material design functions — with a track record of developing talent and building high-performing teams.
• Deep technical expertise across knit and or woven constructions, yarns, fibers, dyes, finishes, and printing techniques — with a strong ability to problem solve material quality issues as they arise.
• High taste level and passion for materials and design, with the ability to define and communicate what makes a material exceptional.
• Proven partnership with Design, balancing creative intent with technical feasibility.
• Direct experience with global fabric mills including managing costs, lead times, and development timeline management.
• Strong color acuity and attention to aesthetic detail.
• Experience in managing consistent quality for leggings and bodywear is a plus.
• Builder mindset: comfortable creating new processes and SOPs, and scaling new ways of working in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally to mills, factories, and trade shows.
• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design, Materials Science, Apparel Design, or a related field preferred.
• Ideal candidate brings foundational AI literacy, including experience using generative AI tools, and a proactive mindset to experiment with new technologies to drive productivity and innovation.

Where we are:

• This role will be based in our El Segundo Headquarters

Compensation & Total Rewards:

At Fabletics, we believe work and life should fit together!We continue to build a culture of flexibility, to empower you to do your best and put yourself first.Our Total Rewards program rewards employees for their hard work, supporting their health, well-being, families, and ultimately their life journey. Total Rewards at Fabletics includes:

• Hybrid Work Schedule*
• Discretionary Paid Time Off*
• Summer Fridays*
• Healthcare Plans
• Employee Discounts
• 401k
• Annual Bonus Program
• Equity Program*
• And More

*Varied for retail, fulfillment and fully remote roles.

range for this position is from $110,000-$130,000. The range provided includes the base salary that Fabletics expects topayfor the role. Offered base salary will be dependent on factors including the scope and complexity of the role, candidate’s related work experience, subject matter expertise and work location.

Fabletics, Inc. is anequalopportunity employer. We recruit, employ, compensate,develop,and promote regardless of race,national origin,religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable.At Fabletics, Inc., we champion a vibrant workplace culture that thrives ondiversity law and do not tolerate discrimination or harassment. We are one team from many backgrounds, innovating through diversity of individuals, who are driven by passion for creating an inclusive space for all.Fabletics, Inc. will continue to champion a workplace culture that prizes diversity and inclusivity.

We encourage you to apply regardless of meeting all qualifications and/or requirements.