Materials Manager
About the role
This is a hands-on materials role. You own the seasonal textile development process from initial direction and supplier development through testing and approved materials, and you keep our physical and digital material library current and trusted. You are the materials expert in the room. You advocate for the right fabric, even when that means pushing back on design or leadership. When a concept cannot execute in the intended fabric, you are the person who says so early, explains why, and brings the alternative.
Responsibilities
- Owes seasonal textile development in close partnership with design and development, from initial direction through approved, production-ready materials.
- Develops and manages material suppliers. Partners with our suppliers and sourcing team to develop fabrics, manage sampling timelines, and support negotiation on MOQs and fabric costs.
- Runs the material testing process end to end. Manages the external testing agency, applies ASTM, AATCC, and ISO protocols, and reports performance results cross-functionally.
- Maintains the material library, physical and digital, keeping it current, organized, and accessible for design and development.
- Pairs on feasibility, costing, and timelines with product development and operations to keep the seasonal calendar on track.
- Advocates for the right fabric. Brings an informed, market-grounded point of view each season and makes the case for the right material with design and leadership, backed by data.
- Protects material integrity. Flags when a concept cannot execute in the intended fabric, explains the why, and proposes the alternative that holds quality and sustainability.
- Helps build toward direct mill sourcing. Surfaces fiber and fabric opportunities that fit where the line is heading, and helps Pact establish the direct mill relationships we are growing into.
- Stays ahead of natural fiber trends and brings informed, market-grounded recommendations each season.
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience in natural materials development for apparel.
- Working knowledge of GOTS certification and organic cotton development standards. This is core to how we work.
- Solid knowledge of natural and blended fiber construction across knit, woven, and non-woven, with a working understanding of dyeing and finishing.
- Fluency in testing standards: ASTM, AATCC, and ISO protocols.
- Experience developing fabrics with suppliers and managing sampling timelines.
- The conviction to defend a material decision with data, and the communication skills to do it with senior stakeholders.
- Comfort with PLM systems and organized, process-driven workflows.
- Strong project management across multiple categories and timelines at once.
Qualifications
- Familiarity with sustainability credentialing: Oeko-Tex, bluesign, or regenerative sourcing frameworks.
- Direct mill relationships and sourcing experience.
Skills
- Project management
- Supplier management
- Material testing
- PLM systems
- Sustainability credentials
Benefits
- Compensation: $100,000 to $115,000 annually, depending on experience.
Pay
$100,000 to $115,000 annually, depending on experience.
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