Apparel Materials Developer

Job Requirements As the Materials Developer at Brooks, you play an integral part in the seasonal material development process, utilizing product and process knowledge. You will work with a cross-functional product creation team from the collection of insights through commercialization to deliver products that exceed consumer expectations. You will work with a cross-functional product creation team to collect insights through commercialization to deliver products that exceed consumer expectations. You must have knowledge across different material and trim constructions and processes involved in development, including engineering wrap, wefts, and wovens. Knowledge in raw material properties, testing, and costing is also a must. Other critical responsibilities include understanding manufacturing capabilities, anticipating issues, problem-solving, and timely resolution. You will be responsible for partnering with the Materials team to initiate ideas around material and trim development opportunities that will improve product performance, product value, and communicate improvements across product teams. Your Responsibilities Partner on material and trim development from concept brief through commercialization and production, ensuring alignment with seasonal milestones and product objectives. Manage workload according to the seasonal material development calendar and contribute to development process execution and continuous improvement. Collaborate with Product Line Management, Design, Development, and cross-functional partners to define and deliver materials, trims, performance attributes, features, and benefits that support seasonal product objectives. Collaborate with the Apparel Development team to evaluate material and trim prototypes, wear-test issues, and review milestones throughout the development process. Support the Materials team with special projects, off-calendar initiatives, and future strategic goals. Apply knowledge of material specifications, construction, identification, and industry testing standards to support development decisions that optimize product performance, quality, consumer experience, and cost targets. Manage material and trim documentation in Flex system data, ensuring FDS (Fabric Detail Sheet), TDS (Trim Detail Sheet), Test Reports, and approval information are accurate, complete, and current throughout the development process. Maintain an organized material and trim reference library, including approved materials, technical specifications, and approval records. Partner with mills and suppliers to support seasonal costing objectives and material development strategies. Partner with materials testing teams to ensure materials and trims meet performance requirements and commercialization standards within seasonal timelines. Collaborate with Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility partners to support alignment between material development activities and long-term sustainability goals. Maintain strong working relationships with material and trim suppliers to support development, quality, testing, innovation, and seasonal calendar commitments. Identify and evaluate emerging materials, trims, technologies, and manufacturing capabilities, partnering with suppliers and the Materials team to translate opportunities into commercial applications that support brand and product goals. Participate in domestic and international supplier visits, development trips, and tradeshows to support material innovation and supplier partnerships. Coordinate vendor visits, supplier meetings, and tradeshow appointments for the Materials Team. Track, coordinate, ship, and receive domestic and international material and trim shipments in a timely manner to support development and commercialization timelines. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality, development processes, team effectiveness, and speed-to-market. Work Experience Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design or related field; equival…

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