We are seeking an exceptional, multi-disciplined Senior Materials Designer who will elevate our material organization.  This role will carry out all aspects of material research and design to support the overall product creation process for REI’s private label apparel business.

The Senior Materials Designer will lead the overall material design process and work as a creative & strategic partner with our product design, product strategy and test engineering teams to achieve the industry’s leading outdoor products. Responsible for researching, curating and presenting material trends and competitive landscape analysis. This individual will deliver on seasonal material briefs collaborating closely with our internal strategy & product design partners to ensure all aesthetic, performance and sustainability goals are achieved. They will maintain a strategic and collaborative partnership with our off-shore development teams to ensure seamless material commercialization and mill strategy excellence.

Material Trend Authority:

• Research and curate emerging materials trends that inform annual and seasonal material direction
• Possess understanding of activities and consumers. Seeks to gain understanding of future consumer
• Identify material and market whitespace driving creative guidance to inform material brief direction
• Support advanced concepting through partnership with product design

Operational Excellence

• Collaborate with Design, Testing, Product Strategy & Product Development teams to create materials that meet product performance, aesthetic, sustainability and cost requirements
• Integrate sustainability targets into every aspect of materials design and development
• Evaluate initial test data to validate material meets product performance end use requirements
• Manage the materials design calendar and process.
• Evaluate the risk associated with all material developments and communicate them to the product teams.
• Build strong partnership with Materials Developers to ensure fabric commercialization is successful
• Continually engage with our supply chain through written communication, trade shows and suppliers visits
• Develop and maintain a materials library including working and presentation tools
• Create a collaborative, strategic partnership with overseas operations team to manage mill performance and relationships

Qualifications

• 6+ years’ work experience in textile manufacturing, development, or design
• Diverse material experience and knowledge, including: Synthetics & Natural fibers, Wovens and knits
• Ability to understand market trends and present to both large and small groups
• Ability to make sense of material trends and apply it to products.
• Comprehensive understanding of the textile manufacturing processes
• Knowledge of appropriate textile testing methods, interpretation and application of results preferred. 
• Knowledge of performance textiles and the functional aspects of performance apparel.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines within a product development calendar
• Working knowledge of global fabric sourcing trends and strategy
• Knowledge and/or experience in apparel development processes from inspiration to production including the technical and manufacturing side of product development.

At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity – that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.  

Pay Transparency

We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.   

REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off.  Click here for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.