Create has partnered with a global family business behind some of the world’s most recognised active and lifestyle brands.
They are looking for a passionate and commercially minded Senior Material Technologist to help shape the future of technical apparel across our outdoor and cycling categories.
This is a highly influential specialist role where you’ll lead material innovation and development across performance product categories — working on everything from waterproof technologies and lightweight fabrics to next-generation sustainable materials.
You’ll partner closely with Design, Product Development, Sourcing and Supply Chain teams, as well as global mills and suppliers, to bring innovative, high-performance materials from concept through to production.
If you thrive on solving technical challenges, spotting emerging material opportunities and influencing product creation at brand level, this is an exciting opportunity to make a visible impact within a global product organisation.
What you’ll be doing
Lead material innovation
- Drive the seasonal and long-term material strategy across apparel categories
- Identify and develop innovative fabrics, trims and material solutions that elevate product performance and consumer experience
- Build and evolve material palettes across key categories including waterproof, insulated, lightweight and stretch apparel
- Explore new technologies, constructions and finishes that improve comfort, durability, breathability and thermal performance
- Stay connected to market, consumer and industry trends to bring fresh thinking into the product creation process
Build world-class supplier partnerships
- Develop strong relationships with global mills, suppliers and innovation partners
- Collaborate closely with sourcing and manufacturing teams across Asia and wider supply regions
- Translate creative and technical briefs into commercially viable material solutions
- Support supplier negotiations around capability, lead times, costing and MOQ management
Ensure technical excellence
- Analyse and interpret lab testing and performance data to guide material decisions
- Oversee wear testing, wash testing, durability and compliance requirements
- Ensure all materials meet the performance expectations of performance apparel consumers
- Resolve material quality issues in partnership with Product Development and Quality teams
Drive commercial and sustainable outcomes
- Balance innovation with margin, speed-to-market and commercial objectives
- Champion responsible material choices aligned to company sustainability goals
- Increase the use of recycled, certified and lower-impact materials where commercially appropriate
- Support improvements in supplier traceability and environmental performance
What you’ll bring
- Significant experience in material development, textile technology, fabric sourcing or material innovation within outdoor, cycling, sportswear or technical apparel
- Strong technical understanding of knit, woven, laminated and engineered fabrics
- Knowledge of fibres, yarns, membranes, coatings, finishes and performance treatments
- Experience working with global mills and supply chain partners, particularly across Asia
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to balance innovation with cost, margin and lead time considerations
- Confidence interpreting fabric testing standards and performance data
- Understanding of sustainability standards including bluesign®, OEKO-TEX®, GRS or equivalent
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- A proactive, curious and solutions-focused mindset
A degree in Textile Technology, Textile Engineering, Materials Science or a related discipline would be advantageous.
Hours
Hours: 36.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday (4:30pm finish on Fridays)
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