Walmart
Senior Director, Product Development - Raw Materials, Fabric R&D & Innovation
Walmart, New York, New York, us, 10261
Senior Director, Product Development - Raw Materials, Fabric R&D & Innovation
Base pay range:
$192,000.00/yr - $384,000.00/yr
Position Summary Oversees raw material strategy, mill partnerships, quality assurance, and color execution—driving innovation, operational excellence, and value across apparel and accessory categories. As a key strategic leader, combines deep technical expertise with strong people leadership, building and empowering global teams to deliver high-quality, responsibly sourced, and trend‑right materials that support Walmart’s vision for accessible, sustainable fashion.
What you’ll do Lead Walmart Fashion’s global strategy for materials, fabric development, color, and sustainability. Build a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Define and execute the global raw material strategy, aligning with Walmart’s design, sourcing, and sustainability goals.
Build a long‑term roadmap focused on innovation, speed, quality, and cost optimization.
Partner with global sourcing and design teams to ensure alignment of fabric and material choices with consumer and brand needs.
Lead Fabric R&D and Color Execution, ensuring excellence from concept to bulk production.
Champion new material technologies, sustainable fibers, and next‑generation finishes that drive differentiation and value.
Foster cross‑functional collaboration to translate creative concepts into scalable, commercially viable solutions.
Manage and strengthen strategic mill and raw material supplier partnerships, driving accountability and continuous improvement.
Negotiate global agreements and secure strategic capacity for key programs.
Ensure agility, flexibility, and resilience in the raw material supply chain.
Oversee Raw Material Quality and Assurance programs aligned with Walmart’s rigorous standards.
Partner with Sustainability and ESG teams to advance initiatives in circularity, traceability, and responsible sourcing.
Drive adoption of globally recognized certifications (GRS, Oeko‑Tex, Bluesign, Higg Index).
Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing global team across materials, color, quality, and sustainability.
Build a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Invest in talent growth and organizational capability to meet future business and product needs.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s in Textile Science, Materials Engineering, or related field.
12+ years of experience in fabric development, raw materials, or sourcing within fashion, retail, or performance apparel.
Proven success leading diverse, cross‑functional global teams with strong leadership and people management skills.
Deep technical knowledge of textiles, color management, and sustainable innovation.
Strategic thinker with strong business acumen, supplier management, and influencing ability.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Design, or related field.
6 to 8 years of experience in design, merchandising, marketing, or related areas.
2 years of supervisory experience.
Benefits Competitive base salary with annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Health benefits include medical, vision, and dental coverage. Financial benefits include a 401(k), stock purchase plan, and company‑paid life insurance. Paid time off includes PTO, sick leave, parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. Additional benefits: short‑ and long‑term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and Live Better U education program. Company policy requires a drug‑free workplace and a no‑tolerance policy regarding illegal drugs and alcohol on the job.
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$192,000.00/yr - $384,000.00/yr
Position Summary Oversees raw material strategy, mill partnerships, quality assurance, and color execution—driving innovation, operational excellence, and value across apparel and accessory categories. As a key strategic leader, combines deep technical expertise with strong people leadership, building and empowering global teams to deliver high-quality, responsibly sourced, and trend‑right materials that support Walmart’s vision for accessible, sustainable fashion.
What you’ll do Lead Walmart Fashion’s global strategy for materials, fabric development, color, and sustainability. Build a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Define and execute the global raw material strategy, aligning with Walmart’s design, sourcing, and sustainability goals.
Build a long‑term roadmap focused on innovation, speed, quality, and cost optimization.
Partner with global sourcing and design teams to ensure alignment of fabric and material choices with consumer and brand needs.
Lead Fabric R&D and Color Execution, ensuring excellence from concept to bulk production.
Champion new material technologies, sustainable fibers, and next‑generation finishes that drive differentiation and value.
Foster cross‑functional collaboration to translate creative concepts into scalable, commercially viable solutions.
Manage and strengthen strategic mill and raw material supplier partnerships, driving accountability and continuous improvement.
Negotiate global agreements and secure strategic capacity for key programs.
Ensure agility, flexibility, and resilience in the raw material supply chain.
Oversee Raw Material Quality and Assurance programs aligned with Walmart’s rigorous standards.
Partner with Sustainability and ESG teams to advance initiatives in circularity, traceability, and responsible sourcing.
Drive adoption of globally recognized certifications (GRS, Oeko‑Tex, Bluesign, Higg Index).
Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing global team across materials, color, quality, and sustainability.
Build a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Invest in talent growth and organizational capability to meet future business and product needs.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s in Textile Science, Materials Engineering, or related field.
12+ years of experience in fabric development, raw materials, or sourcing within fashion, retail, or performance apparel.
Proven success leading diverse, cross‑functional global teams with strong leadership and people management skills.
Deep technical knowledge of textiles, color management, and sustainable innovation.
Strategic thinker with strong business acumen, supplier management, and influencing ability.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Design, or related field.
6 to 8 years of experience in design, merchandising, marketing, or related areas.
2 years of supervisory experience.
Benefits Competitive base salary with annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Health benefits include medical, vision, and dental coverage. Financial benefits include a 401(k), stock purchase plan, and company‑paid life insurance. Paid time off includes PTO, sick leave, parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. Additional benefits: short‑ and long‑term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and Live Better U education program. Company policy requires a drug‑free workplace and a no‑tolerance policy regarding illegal drugs and alcohol on the job.
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