Director, Fabric Development & Innovation
About the role
Little Sleepies is a rapidly growing company in America, featured in Inc. Magazine (#1 in retail). We specialize in making life easier for families with products that are soft, durable, and trusted. Our flagship fabrics, Lunaluxe® and Soluxe®, are custom-developed to support the unique needs of children. We are committed to innovation and care, aiming to bring joy and comfort to families worldwide.
Visa sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Responsibilities
Materials & Fabric Innovation Pipeline: Partner closely with the Director of Product Development to build an 18-month materials innovation pipeline. Drive technical innovation by working directly with vendors and mills to identify next-generation fabric treatments, alternative fabric platforms, and construction innovations. Evaluate new materials against Little Sleepies' core brand promises (softness, durability, trust) and commercial feasibility. Own the process of moving promising materials from exploration to prototype to commercial integration.
Market, Competitive & Consumer Intelligence: Be the internal authority on external trends, competitive landscape, white space opportunities, emerging materials, best-in-class fabric development and innovation, and shifts in consumer behavior. Conduct regular market and competitive analysis, trade show attendance, and market research to stay ahead of the category. Translate external intelligence into internal product briefs, strategic recommendations, and innovation opportunities.
Cross-Functional Innovation Leadership: Serve as the strategic bridge between design and product development, ensuring innovation priorities are understood, embraced, and embedded in both teams' work. Partner with VP, Merchandising and VP, Design to align the fabric innovation roadmap with commercial reality and assortment strategy.
Requirements
10–12 years of progressive fabrication strategy, product development, or innovation experience within kids apparel or a closely adjacent consumer product apparel category.
Background in fabric engineering, textile science, or materials development (strongly preferred); hands-on experience with fabric construction, finishing, or performance a significant plus.
Deep fabric and construction literacy—comfortable in vendor and mill conversations, able to evaluate materials technically and commercially.
Proven experience owning a product strategy or innovation function, not just executing product.
Exceptional ability to influence without authority—builds trust and alignment across creative and operational teams through the quality of your thinking.
Comfortable as a senior individual contributor—energized by doing, not managing.
Experience working in a fast-paced, high-output product environment; or DTC brand experience a strong plus.
Qualifications
Ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's Degree in Textile Development, Textile Management.
Skills
Ability to work cross-functionally with a fast-growing team.
Smile-sparking products that turn everyday moments into magical memories.
Supportive environment that fosters and encourages new ideas and innovation.
The opportunity to stock your drawers with Little Sleepies!
Free pajamas & Play product when you join (and every year on your work anniversary!) and a generous employee discount all year long to keep you cozy.
Benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance.
Paid time off, vacation.
Sick days.
Paid holidays.
Short and long-term disability.
Life insurance.
401(k) Employee Assistance Program.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Home office stipend.
Internet stipend.
Company discount.
Team building activities.
Company-issued computer.
Pay
Competitive salary based on experience.
Schedule
Hybrid schedule with three days minimum at our state-of-the-art headquarters in Los Angeles, CA.