Overview
Join to apply for the Materials Developer role at Finisterre.
We are excited to share the opportunity for a Materials Developer to join the Finisterre team. This role will support the Product Development, Design, Buying, and Technical and Compliance teams by independently managing the sourcing, development, innovation and bulk production of Finisterre materials, including fabrics, yarns, trims and packaging. This role focuses on driving sustainable initiatives and implementing efficient processes in collaboration with key suppliers and partners, while ensuring the highest standards of quality and consistency and aligning with the company product sustainability strategies.
About Finisterre: Born two decades ago from the needs of hardy British surfers, Finisterre creates enduring outdoor wear for an inspired life in and around the ocean. Proudly B Corp certified, we have committed to a deep belief: to make truly exceptional products in a more responsible and transparent way. We are a multi-location brand with a HQ in St. Agnes, Cornwall, and a mission to act with sustainability at the core.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the end-to-end development of all materials—including fabric, yarn, trims, and packaging—from initial concept and sourcing through to bulk production.
* Provide specialist material expertise, conducting in-depth research into emerging technologies and sustainability trends across fibre, materials, fabric processing and print/dye techniques.
* Ensure quality and traceability are embedded within the raw material strategy and act as a key consultant across innovation projects.
* Demonstrate understanding of minimum order quantities (MOQs), effectively managing sampling yardage and bulk fabric requirements to support prototype development, production needs and minimising waste.
* Knowledge of duties, tariffs and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), with awareness of their impact on material sourcing strategies and overall product cost efficiency.
* Ensure adherence to critical path timelines and production approval deadlines, while maintaining compliance with Finisterre’s Preferred Fibre standards and required material certifications.
* Oversee commitments to key sustainability initiatives including The Microfibre Consortium and the Canopy Pledge programmes such as Pack4Good and Canopy Style.
* Base testing with suppliers and SGS (our partnered test house), acting as a liaison for bulk fabric approvals/testing to ensure all materials meet brand standards for testing, compliance, and regulatory, chemical, and ethical safety requirements.
* Global travel as needed, including attending trade fairs and visiting mills and factory partners for sourcing and relationship-building.
* Maintain a well-organised materials library and populate the PLM system with material composition, weight, COO, supplier information, costing, and other relevant data.
* Actively manage fabric rejections, drive improvements, and conduct risk assessments against proposed fabrics to mitigate technical failures.
* Communicate with accuracy and attention to detail, working professionally with other internal teams.
* Build and maintain relationships with vendors, developing knowledge of vendor capability to meet demands.
* Collaborate with Design, Product Development and Buying teams when sourcing for new seasonal collections and resourcing, identifying opportunities to improve margin and innovation.
* Coordinate with Compliance and Technical teams to maintain quality, certification requirements, traceability information and testing standards, and keep Fabrics of Finisterre and Preferred Fibres documents up to date.
* Work with SGS to reduce and eliminate the risk of hazardous substances in the manufacturing process in line with RSL/MRSL.
* Collaborate with the Impact team to identify opportunities to reduce carbon footprint and support reporting against company goals.
* Support the Repairs team with material orders.
What you’ll bring to Finisterre
* Relevant aspiration and interest in being part of a multi-channel retail business
* A relevant degree in textile science, fabric development, fashion design, material engineering or a related field, or applicable background in fabric, trim and materials development
* 3-5+ years experience in material development, ideally with a fashion, performance or lifestyle brand
* Experience across fabric, knit, woven, trims and packaging preferred
* Strong knowledge of textile testing, fabric construction, yarn types, finishing techniques, and fabric specification sheets
* Experience using PLM systems and Excel
* Strong knowledge of sustainability, certifications and compliance standards; experience with impact-led or B Corp brands preferred
* Commercial eye for material trends and passion for innovation projects
* Accuracy, organisation and attention to detail; experience managing costs and MOQs
* Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a team
* Commitment to learning key skills and delivering continuous improvement in material sourcing and development
* Willingness to own and drive personal development and accept feedback
* Commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, including social and environmental aspects
* Passion, energy and alignment with Finisterre values, products, brand and customers
* Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team
* Thrives on positive change and ability to manage self under pressure
Important: The successful candidate must, by the start of their employment, have permission to work in the UK. Finisterre is not licensed to sponsor overseas workers.
Benefits
What you’ll receive from Finisterre
* Full-time, permanent contract based at HQ in St Agnes, Cornwall
* Salary between £30,000 - £40,000 depending on experience
* A discretionary bonus scheme based on company performance
* Pension scheme with Nest
* 25 days holiday per year, plus up to 8 bank holidays
* Additional holidays for length of service
* Your birthday day off
* Discounts on Finisterre products
* Life assurance and employee assistance program
* Wellbeing programs and other perks
* Regular company social events and volunteering opportunities
Closing date: Friday 3 October 2025. We’ll be interviewing as we go, so apply early as the role may close sooner.
Finisterre is committed to building diverse and inclusive teams. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to join us and be themselves at work.
Seniority level
* Entry level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Retail
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Finisterre. Get notified about new Materials Developer jobs in St Agnes, England, United Kingdom.
#J-18808-Ljbffr