Sr. Manager, Materials - UGG Apparel & Accessories

Reports to: Director, Product Development - UGG Apparel & Accessories
Location: Goleta, CA - Hybrid (typically 3 times per week in office, Tuesday – Thursday)

About the Role

The Senior Manager, Material Development leads the end-to-end creation, execution, and optimization of all raw materials across knits, wovens, and trim categories from early concept through final confirmation. This role drives seasonal and franchise material strategies, contributes a strong point of view on fabric trends and innovation, and brings deep curiosity for fibers, constructions, and sustainable solutions. The Senior Manager ensures alignment with product, design, and sourcing teams while safeguarding material performance, cost, sustainability, and manufacturability. This leader manages key aspects of seasonal development, supplier engagement, and material execution, while evolving tools, processes, and standards across the team. Additionally, the role oversees the material development team, manages vendor relationships in partnership with the Asia sourcing team, anticipates and mitigates risk, and champions innovation across core, premium, and pinnacle product segments to strengthen the brand’s competitive position.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full material development process from concept through final confirmation.
• Build and execute seasonal and franchise material strategies that strengthen the brand’s position across core, premium, and pinnacle Apparel & Accessories segments, ensuring the team delivers elevated, innovative, and commercially viable materials.
• Analyze, optimize, and manage a resilient, consolidated sourcing strategy in close partnership with the Asia Sourcing team to improve cost, lead times, vendor capabilities, and material readiness.
• Manage, mentor, and develop the A&A Material Developers, providing day-to-day guidance, technical support, and clear expectations to build a high-performing, solutions-oriented materials team.
• Collaborate closely with product design, product development, global partners, and suppliers.
• Oversee all material data captured within FlexPLM to ensure accuracy, consistency, and operational excellence across the A&A materials workflow.
• Evaluate technical feasibility, performance, and risk, proactively problem-solving to ensure materials meet product requirements and development timelines.
• Build strong partnerships with vendors to explore new material technologies, innovations, and R&D opportunities.
• Identify and implement process improvements to streamline workflows.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with internal stakeholders and overseas partners.
• Oversee the maintenance and build-out of the material library.
• Travel to factories, vendors, and trade shows.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Textile Design, Textile Technology, Textile Engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• 10+ years of relevant work experience in a related field.
• 5+ years of management experience in a related field.
• Expertise in raw materials.
• Ability to work on multiple or overlapping projects simultaneously.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Motivated team player and self-starter.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with Excel, FlexPLM, Microsoft Office Suite, and Adobe Suite.
• Passion for understanding yarns, materials, finishings, and all things fabric and trim related.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay and Bonuses: A variety of competitive compensation programs to foster career development, reward success, and show appreciation.
• Financial Planning and Wellbeing: Support for financial goals through plans that help protect income, pay for expenses, and invest in the future.
• Time Away from Work: Plans that support time off to be with family, focus on health, or recharge.
• Extras, Discounts, and Perks: Generous discounts, community-based programs, and other cool extras.
• Growth and Development: Extensive opportunities and support for personal and professional development.
• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive health and wellness programs and offerings to support a healthy lifestyle.

Pay

$137,500.00 - $185,600.00. The salary range reflects the estimated minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for this role in Goleta, California. Individual pay will be determined by location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.