Director, Fabric R&D, Material Innovation
Core
Lead R&D Materials team to translate brand aesthetic into executable material strategies, developing fabrics from concept to production while supporting design vision and sustainability goals.
Role type
Director, Fabric R&D and Material Innovation
Builds
Seasonal fabric strategies, new fabric constructions, finishes, and dye techniques for global fashion brands
Domain
Fashion industry, textile engineering, global supply chain
Required skills
Textile development expertise, fabric construction knowledge, dye technique mastery, global sourcing process understanding, team leadership, cross-functional partnership, strategic thinking, cost engineering, sustainability integration, market insight analysis
Preferred skills
Digital tools for textile research, data-driven decision making, global travel capability
Technologies
Digital innovation platforms, material knowledge management systems
Responsibilities
Partner with Design to translate vision into seasonal fabric strategies; Manage and mentor R&D specialists; Drive fabric innovation through new constructions and finishes; Collaborate with Mill Management on cost engineering and quality; Integrate sustainable materials into development; Maintain fabric and wash resource library; Execute mill network strategy; Track development KPIs and risk assessments
Seniority
Director, strategic leadership with hands-on technical direction