Are you passionate about innovation, sustainability, and performance in material development? Gymshark is looking for a Material Development Manager to lead the development and industrialization of knits and woven materials across all product categories, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality, durability, and aesthetics.
You'll be responsible for:
* On-time development of knits materials to Gymshark standards.
* Assessing and evaluating supplier performance for your material category.
This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a leadership role that directly influences how we deliver world-class products to our community.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING.
* Manage material development for knits and woven fabrics across all categories, ensuring alignment with product requirements.
* Deliver development on time according to the seasonal calendar.
* Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Development, Design, Colour, and Sourcing teams to meet performance and production needs.
* Partner with suppliers and mills to create innovative, high-performance, and sustainable materials from brief through industrialization.
* Validate material quality and performance through lab testing and compliance with internal standards.
* Integrate sustainability criteria to reduce environmental impact.
* Maintain clear technical documentation, including material specs, lab reports, and sustainability credentials.
* Drive continuous improvement in quality, performance, sustainability, and cost-efficiency.
Essential Skills:
* Deep technical knowledge of material and fabric technology, including spinning, knitting, dyeing, finishing, and washing processes.
* Strong understanding of garment technology and construction.
* Expertise in lab testing and global fabric testing criteria.
* Excellent communication skills for internal and supplier collaboration.
* Knowledge of sustainable practices in material production and product development.
* Ability to anticipate and solve material-related issues.
* Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office and PLM systems.
* Ability to travel as required.
Preferred Skills:
* Understanding of activewear, sports, fitness, and fashion markets at a macro level.
Onsite Collaboration: Due to the hands-on and highly collaborative nature of the work within our Product & Supply Chain team, we have a minimum expectation of four days per week onsite at our Gymshark HQ. This ensures we can work closely together to innovate, problem-solve, and deliver world-class products for our community.
Please note, this is a 6 MONTH maternity cover contract.