Lead Apparel Materials & Trim Developer, Local Creation

Who You’ll Work With This role sits within the North America Local Creation Materials & Trims team, supporting the broader Local Creation Apparel portfolio across multiple product dimensions and consumer opportunities. The role reports to the Senior Manager, Materials & Trims and partners closely with Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Color, Sourcing, Manufacturing, Quality, and vendor partners to bring innovative material and trim solutions to market. As a key member of the product creation team, this role serves as a connector across functions, balancing design intent, technical feasibility, speed-to-market, and commercial viability. They will influence material strategies, drive execution with vendor partners, and help elevate the overall capability of the Local Creation materials ecosystem. Who We Are Looking For We're looking for a Lead Apparel Materials & Trims Developer who combines deep technical expertise with a passion for innovation, craft, and product creation. This individual brings a strong understanding of textile and trim development and can translate creative vision into scalable, commercially viable solutions that elevate consumer experiences. The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on, capable of leading complex material development initiatives while navigating the pace and agility required within Local Creation. They are naturally curious, continuously exploring material innovations, manufacturing capabilities, and emerging industry trends to identify opportunities that improve performance, quality, sustainability, and speed. They think holistically across the product creation process, understanding how materials, trims, construction, manufacturing, and commercialization work together to create exceptional product. They are trusted partners who build strong relationships, influence through expertise, communicate with clarity, and proactively solve problems. They embrace change, seek continuous improvement, and contribute positively to team culture while helping others grow and develop. Bachelor’s degree in Textile Science, Apparel, Materials Engineering, Product Development or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience, and training A minimum of 6 years directly relevant work experienceMinimum of 6 years of relevant experience in apparel materials, trims, textile development, product development, or a related field. Deep knowledge of fabrics, trims, yarns, knitting, weaving, dyeing, printing, finishing, and garment manufacturing processes. Proven experience leading material and trim development from concept through commercialization and production readiness. Strong understanding of material performance requirements, testing methodologies, quality standards, and risk management practices. Experience working directly with textile mills, trim suppliers, manufacturers, and development partners to create and commercialize products. Ability to evaluate material construction, cost, performance, manufacturability, and sustainability considerations to support informed decision-making. Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and stakeholders simultaneously. Experience partnering effectively across Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Sourcing, Manufacturing, and Quality functions. Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority and drive alignment across a diverse group of internal and external partners. Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate tradeoffs, risks, and recommendations. A passion for innovation, continuous learning, and building new capabilities that enable speed, quality, and consumer relevance. Experience working with domestic and overseas vendors, sample rooms, ateliers, and manufacturing partners is preferred. Familiarity with digital product creation tools, material libraries, PLM systems, and 3D development tools is a p…

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