Lead material development from concept through commercialization for footwear categories (e.g., training, studio, lifestyle, recovery).
Source and evaluate new materials and technologies (knits, wovens, leather and alternatives, TPU/PU films, coatings, foams, rubber compounds, bio-based options).
Translate design intent into technical material requirements: hand feel, stretch and recovery, abrasion, tear strength, color performance, bonding compatibility, durability, weight, and comfort.
Material Engineering & Testing
Define material specifications and test plans (lab and wear) to validate performance, safety, and durability.
Partner with Product Integrity/Quality to ensure materials meet applicable standards and regulations (RSL, REACH, CPSIA/Prop 65 where applicable, footwear chemical restrictions, labeling requirements).
Troubleshoot material and construction issues (e.g., delamination, cracking, yellowing, hydrolysis risk, color migration, odor, tackiness, compression set, slip performance, outsole bloom) and drive corrective actions with suppliers.
Ensure color and shade consistency across materials and factories; support lab dip/strike-off approvals and bulk production continuity.
Own material cost targets and negotiate with suppliers (pricing, MOQs, rebates, tooling where relevant); support should-cost and cost-driver breakdowns when feasible.
Maintain on-time material readiness aligned to development calendars and critical milestones.
Supplier & Stakeholder Management
Qualification
Bachelor’s degree in Materials ScienceProficiency in PLM and ExcelClear communicationProgram managementCollaboration
Required
Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science,Footwear Engineering, Industrial Design, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
5+ years of raw material development experience in footwear (preferred) or adjacent categories (bags/accessories/performance apparel) with strong footwear material exposure.
Proven experience developing materials for uppers and/or bottoms (rubber/TPU/EVA/PU foams) and understanding of bonding and lamination systems.
Working knowledge of footwear testing and common failure modes (abrasion, flex/crack, hydrolysis risk, adhesion/bond strength, compression set, slip resistance, colorfastness, accelerated aging).
Experience with global supplier management and commercialization in a multi-factory environment.
Proficiency in PLM and Excel; able to build trackers, dashboards, and clear development summaries.
Strong technical judgment with the ability to diagnose issues quickly and propose practical solutions.
Clear communication: able to translate technical details into decision-ready trade-offs and recommendations.
Program management: organized, deadline-driven, comfortable with ambiguity and fast iteration.
Collaboration: effective partner to Design/PD, Sourcing, Quality, and external suppliers.
Experience with sustainable material programs (recycled content validation, bio-based claims, certification management, traceability).
Familiarity with chemical compliance frameworks (AFIRM-aligned RSL, MRSL concepts, restricted substances in adhesives/finishes, PFAS considerations).
