Apparel Materials Developer

Job Description

24 Seven is partnering with a global sportwear client based in Portland, Oregon to help them find an Apparel Materials Developer for this hybrid position working 4 days a week onsite. This is a full-time, 6 month contract with likelihood to extend. While on contract, you'd be eligible for benefits including medical, dental, vision, sick time, and more.

Ideal Candidate : will have a degree in textile engineering or a related field, brings at least 2+ years of material development experience, and is confident navigating IT tools- including internal databases, reporting systems, and early-stage 3D creation processes.

Role Overview :

As Apparel Materials Developer you are a key contributor in the apparel material development process by ensuring the availability of materials (fabrics, trims and prints), which support the strategic marketing & design direction to enable commercial success. You will find and / or develop the right materials according to calendar timelines, target prices, sourcing policy, and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities :

• Serve as the primary contact and consultant for all material-related inquiries.
• Lead cross-functional material discussions, guide material selection, and drive consolidation for efficiency.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external partners, including Design, Product Development, Sourcing, Quality, and suppliers.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date material data in internal systems (technical details, cost, toolbox, lifecycle).
• Identify suitable sources for new material development aligned with sourcing strategy and garment allocation.
• Collaborate with suppliers to translate design needs into innovative, commercially viable materials.
• Manage seasonal material developments and lead initial price negotiations with suppliers.
• Ensure all selected materials are tested and approved by Materials Quality per timelines and brand standards.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to develop a focused material toolbox and improve material efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement by consolidating and verifying the materials library and promoting material sharing.
• Provide updated material trend insights to Business Units through research, stakeholder input, fairs, supplier meetings, and industry events.

Qualifications :