Materials Developer

TravisMathew is a premium apparel brand that exists because we seized an opportunity—and we’re inviting you to take yours. Inspired by the sun, surf, and sand of Southern California, we became a leading innovator in lifestyle performance apparel by making clothes for real life.

About the role

The Materials Developer will oversee fabric development for TravisMathew, working closely with Design, Product Development, and Material Sourcing teams. This role translates creative concepts into commercially viable materials that meet aesthetic expectations, sourcing requirements, and cost goals.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Design, Merchandising, Development, and Sourcing teams to develop in-season fabrics for the Women’s line.
• Actively participate in the fabric selection process for multiple Inline Pillars and Special Make-Up (SMU) collections.
• Execute seasonal fabric developments into bulk-ready fabrics that meet quality standards, timelines, sourcing strategy, and costing targets.
• Identify potential manufacturing issues and make recommendations to mitigate risk.
• Track fabric, lab dip, print submissions, developments, pricing, and approvals in the PLM system.
• Order and track yardage commitments on greige rolls and proto rolls in the PLM system.
• Maintain all development files, reports, and documentation for follow-up, tracking, and seasonal recaps.
• Prepare and present development trials with key stakeholders to assist with fabric and trim adoption efforts.
• Communicate sourcing requirements to vendors and mills.
• Oversee all development fabric and garment testing, including data tracking, review, and follow-up to ensure all test results pass.
• Develop seasonal trim items, including buttons, labels, zippers, and metal hardware for multiple Inline Pillars and SMU collections.
• Manage the trim Centric library to ensure critical process information (e.g., material specs, lead time, pricing) is maintained.
• Build and maintain the trim and lab dip libraries.
• Meet key deadlines for all developments, adhering to the seasonal Design and Development calendar, and ensure approvals, documentation, and clear communications to vendor partners.
• Understand fabric limitations and capabilities to guide the design team for future season development and usage.
• Drive consistent progress season over season in fabric development initiatives and become the company expert in specific material categories.
• Serve as the TravisMathew “expert” to vendor and mill partners in relation to fabric development for Materials & Development (M&D) and build valuable relationships.
• Attend scheduled team and milestone meetings as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or technical trade school and/or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in material sourcing and development.

Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft applications, PLM systems, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Ability to prioritize workflow based on deadlines and problem-solve while communicating issues to applicable departments.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management abilities.
• Exceptional time management and interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of fabric construction standards and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to utilize technical expertise to communicate expectations for developments.
• Strong oral and written presentation skills; ability to present opinions and thoughts clearly and confidently.
• Ability to manage change, shift priorities, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Effective interpersonal and organizational skills, especially when working with senior-level directors.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a globally diverse vendor base.
• International travel may be required.

Pay

$71,400 - $107,200 USD Annual