Head of Materials, (Fashion & Lifestyle Apparel)
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Location : On-site
Reports into: Senior Director, Product Development
About the Role
We are partnering with a leading, culture‑driven lifestyle brand on the search for a Head of Materials. This leader will oversee all fabric strategy, sourcing, development, and innovation across Women’s, Men’s, and Kids. The ideal candidate brings experience developing unique, proprietary fabrics, working directly with global mills, and building a materials function that is both creatively ambitious and operationally disciplined.
This role sits at the intersection of design, product development, and sourcing — shaping the brand’s materials POV and ensuring fabrics meet the highest standards of quality, performance, and commercial viability.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead seasonal fabric R&D across Men’s, Women’s, and Kids, identifying new materials, mills, and techniques that elevate the assortment.
- Build and manage a diversified global mill/vendor matrix; negotiate pricing, MOQs, lead times, and seasonal sourcing needs.
- Oversee material testing, compliance standards, and quality assurance; review test reports and advise on retesting or care instruction updates.
- Maintain accurate material data within PLM systems (Revo or equivalent) and shared cross‑functional tools.
- Partner with Design, PD, Production, Technical Design, and Merchandising to align materials with design intent, fit, construction, and production capabilities.
- Manage seasonal calendars, sourcing timelines, and end‑of‑season recaps to ensure clarity and continuity across all divisions.
- Identify cost‑saving opportunities through alternate sourcing, shared qualities, and material consolidation.
- Lead and develop the Materials team, setting clear priorities, workflows, and development goals.
- Maintain organized physical materials resources, including fabric libraries, swatches, and seasonal boards.
Who We’re Looking For
- 10+ years of experience in materials development, sourcing, or fabric R&D across contemporary, lifestyle, or luxury apparel
- Proven experience developing fabrics directly with mills, including concept yarns, proprietary blends, and specialty constructions
- Experience supporting multiple categories (Men’s, Women’s, Kids)
- Experience with PLM systems (Revo or equivalent)
- Experience with material testing, quality standards, and compliance
- Experience with color development and approvals
What You Bring:
- Strong understanding of sustainability frameworks (e.g., Oeko‑Tex, GRS, Bluesign) and responsible sourcing practices.
- Must be able to handle multiple priorities, seasons, deadlines, and competing business needs.
- Highly organized, proactive, and able to operate in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.
- Strong vendor and mill management skills, including negotiation of pricing, MOQs, lead times, seasonal. sourcing needs, and the ability to identify duty/tariff advantages and diversify the mill matrix.
- Ability to manage seasonal calendars, cross‑functional workflows, and competing priorities.
- Domestic + International mill development and sourcing travel as needed.