Carhartt
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Position Details Title:
Senior Director Raw Materials
Department:
Global Product Development
Reports to:
Vice President Global Product Development
Location:
Dearborn, MI
Job Classification:
Hybrid
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Job Band:
Executive
Job Summary The Senior Director of Raw Materials will lead the strategic vision and execution of Carhartt’s raw material development across all product categories, driving innovation, quality, and performance from concept through commercialization. This role is responsible for building and executing a dynamic 3-year roadmap that ensures a robust pipeline of fabrics, trims, packaging, and labeling solutions that meet Carhartt’s standards for durability, functionality, and consumer expectations. As a key member of the Product Development leadership team, this role champions cross-functional collaboration with Merchandising, Design, Consumer Insights, Sourcing, and Quality to deliver materials that are work-worthy, commercially viable, and aligned with Carhartt’s brand promise. The Senior Director will also foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring Carhartt remains the industry leader in durable workwear.
Associate Responsibilities
Inspire, coach, and lead the Raw Materials organization and strategy for Fabric & Trim Development, Color Development, and Packaging & Labeling teams.
Build a high-performing team culture focused on innovation, accountability, and consumer-centric thinking; develop succession plans and career paths to grow future leaders within the department.
Establish and manage the annual operating budget to support growth, profitability, and operational efficiency.
Define and lead the 3-year strategic plan for raw materials and development aligned with corporate goals.
Own the seasonal raw material development calendar and workflow to support Go-To-Market timelines.
Drive the development of new fabrics, trims, packaging, and labeling solutions from concept to approval.
Ensure all materials meet Carhartt’s rigorous standards for quality, durability, and performance, while simultaneously integrating consumer insights into material development to ensure relevance and authenticity.
Partner with Quality and Product Supply teams to ensure seamless commercialization from development to production. Collaborate with Sourcing and Procurement to optimize cost, lead times, and vendor capabilities.
Serve as a subject matter expert to Merchandising and Marketing, supporting product storytelling and performance messaging.
In conjunction with team leaders, identify and implement process improvements and new technologies to enhance efficiency and innovation and oversee vendor onboarding and training to ensure alignment with Carhartt’s development standards and expectations.
Required Education
Bachelor’s degree in Textile Science, Apparel Design, Materials Engineering, or a related field required; master’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or Innovation Management preferred.
Required Skills & Experience
Minimum 12 years of experience in raw material development within the apparel or textile industry, with a strong emphasis on innovation, quality, and performance.
Minimum 8 years of leadership experience managing high-performing, cross-functional product development teams.
Demonstrated ability to balance strategic vision (50%) with hands-on execution (50%), and technical expertise (30%) with leadership (70%).
Experience building and executing multi-year roadmaps aligned with corporate growth and sustainability goals.
Strong understanding of mill capabilities, global supply chain dynamics, and raw material cost structures, fabric construction, finishing techniques, trim engineering, color development, and material testing standards.
Familiarity with sustainability certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX, GOTS, bluesign®) and compliance standards required. Experience with PLM systems, material libraries, and digital development tools is preferred.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence and engage at all levels, including executive leadership and global vendor partners.
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize, delegate, and deliver in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Physical Requirements And Working Conditions
Domestic and international travel (up to 20%)
Physical lifting may be required (approximately 25 lbs.)
Typical office environment. Extended periods of time sitting, standing, typing on a computer is required.
This position has a Hybrid location: Associate will work on-site regularly as needed for work activities.
Carhartt is a tobacco free workplace.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
All associates are required to understand and act in accordance with the Carhartt Core Values. Carhartt reserves the right to change, modify, suspend, interpret or cancel in whole or in any part, the job duties outlined above at any time and without advance notice to the employee.
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Position Details Title:
Senior Director Raw Materials
Department:
Global Product Development
Reports to:
Vice President Global Product Development
Location:
Dearborn, MI
Job Classification:
Hybrid
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Job Band:
Executive
Job Summary The Senior Director of Raw Materials will lead the strategic vision and execution of Carhartt’s raw material development across all product categories, driving innovation, quality, and performance from concept through commercialization. This role is responsible for building and executing a dynamic 3-year roadmap that ensures a robust pipeline of fabrics, trims, packaging, and labeling solutions that meet Carhartt’s standards for durability, functionality, and consumer expectations. As a key member of the Product Development leadership team, this role champions cross-functional collaboration with Merchandising, Design, Consumer Insights, Sourcing, and Quality to deliver materials that are work-worthy, commercially viable, and aligned with Carhartt’s brand promise. The Senior Director will also foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring Carhartt remains the industry leader in durable workwear.
Associate Responsibilities
Inspire, coach, and lead the Raw Materials organization and strategy for Fabric & Trim Development, Color Development, and Packaging & Labeling teams.
Build a high-performing team culture focused on innovation, accountability, and consumer-centric thinking; develop succession plans and career paths to grow future leaders within the department.
Establish and manage the annual operating budget to support growth, profitability, and operational efficiency.
Define and lead the 3-year strategic plan for raw materials and development aligned with corporate goals.
Own the seasonal raw material development calendar and workflow to support Go-To-Market timelines.
Drive the development of new fabrics, trims, packaging, and labeling solutions from concept to approval.
Ensure all materials meet Carhartt’s rigorous standards for quality, durability, and performance, while simultaneously integrating consumer insights into material development to ensure relevance and authenticity.
Partner with Quality and Product Supply teams to ensure seamless commercialization from development to production. Collaborate with Sourcing and Procurement to optimize cost, lead times, and vendor capabilities.
Serve as a subject matter expert to Merchandising and Marketing, supporting product storytelling and performance messaging.
In conjunction with team leaders, identify and implement process improvements and new technologies to enhance efficiency and innovation and oversee vendor onboarding and training to ensure alignment with Carhartt’s development standards and expectations.
Required Education
Bachelor’s degree in Textile Science, Apparel Design, Materials Engineering, or a related field required; master’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or Innovation Management preferred.
Required Skills & Experience
Minimum 12 years of experience in raw material development within the apparel or textile industry, with a strong emphasis on innovation, quality, and performance.
Minimum 8 years of leadership experience managing high-performing, cross-functional product development teams.
Demonstrated ability to balance strategic vision (50%) with hands-on execution (50%), and technical expertise (30%) with leadership (70%).
Experience building and executing multi-year roadmaps aligned with corporate growth and sustainability goals.
Strong understanding of mill capabilities, global supply chain dynamics, and raw material cost structures, fabric construction, finishing techniques, trim engineering, color development, and material testing standards.
Familiarity with sustainability certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX, GOTS, bluesign®) and compliance standards required. Experience with PLM systems, material libraries, and digital development tools is preferred.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence and engage at all levels, including executive leadership and global vendor partners.
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize, delegate, and deliver in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Physical Requirements And Working Conditions
Domestic and international travel (up to 20%)
Physical lifting may be required (approximately 25 lbs.)
Typical office environment. Extended periods of time sitting, standing, typing on a computer is required.
This position has a Hybrid location: Associate will work on-site regularly as needed for work activities.
Carhartt is a tobacco free workplace.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
All associates are required to understand and act in accordance with the Carhartt Core Values. Carhartt reserves the right to change, modify, suspend, interpret or cancel in whole or in any part, the job duties outlined above at any time and without advance notice to the employee.
#J-18808-Ljbffr