On Target Executive Search, A Division Of On Target Staffing LLC
R&D Material Manager
On Target Executive Search, A Division Of On Target Staffing LLC, New York, New York, us, 10261
Pay Range
Base pay range: $100,000.00/yr – $110,000.00/yr. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience.
About the Opportunity We have a client that is a well-established and growing
home textile company
with a diverse multi-product assortment across key home categories, including table linens, kitchen textiles, pillows, rugs, mats, bedding, and bath. The company is known for its strong design capabilities, global sourcing expertise, and ability to respond quickly to evolving market trends while delivering high-quality, cost-effective products to major retail partners.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in driving material innovation, sustainability, and differentiation across multiple home textile categories.
Summary The
R&D Material Manager
will lead the research, development, and sourcing of innovative fabrics, trims, finishes, and raw materials for home textile products. This role is responsible for identifying new material technologies, advancing sustainability initiatives, and ensuring materials meet performance, compliance, cost, and quality standards.
The position serves as a critical link between
design, product development, sourcing, quality, and global suppliers/fabric mills
to deliver market-leading and differentiated product offerings.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in
Textiles, Material Science, Textile Engineering , or a related field
7–10 years of experience in material development, R&D, or sourcing within home textiles, apparel, or soft goods
Strong knowledge of
textile fibers, weaving/knitting techniques, dyeing and finishing processes , and fabric testing standards
Experience driving
sustainable and innovative material initiatives
Established network of
global mills and suppliers
across key production regions such as India, Pakistan, China, Turkey, Egypt, Portugal, and others
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple developments across categories and timelines
Proficiency in
PLM/ERP systems
and advanced Excel; CAD or textile design software a plus
Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
Key Responsibilities
Research, source, and develop new fabrics, yarns, finishes, and treatments aligned with brand positioning, cost targets, and quality standards
Analyze global trend reports (WGSN, Fashion Snoops, etc.) to identify relevant textile trends, innovations, and emerging technologies
Propose new materials and constructions to design and merchandising teams for seasonal assortments
Co‑develop new fabrics, weaves, and finishes with mills while optimizing material costs and identifying savings opportunities
Ensure understanding and application of raw material performance standards, including colorfastness, pilling, tensile and tear strength, and flammability
Sustainability & Compliance
Partner with sustainability teams to identify certified and eco‑friendly material solutions (GOTS, OEKO‑TEX, BCI, GRS, recycled polyester, etc.)
Ensure all materials meet regulatory, safety, and retailer‑specific compliance requirements, including chemical restrictions and testing protocols
Build and maintain strong relationships with global textile mills, material suppliers, and innovation partners
Evaluate vendor capabilities and manage seasonal innovation briefs
Negotiate lead times, minimum order quantities, and development costs
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with design and product development to integrate innovative materials into collections
Collaborate with costing and sourcing teams to ensure materials meet financial targets and production feasibility
Work with quality and compliance teams to test and validate material performance
Process & Database Management
Establish and maintain a comprehensive
material library and database , including test results and supplier details
Develop standardized procedures for material development, testing, and approvals
Provide material education, training, and trend presentations to design, merchandising, and sourcing teams
Strong curiosity and passion for
textile innovation
Deep technical expertise in
fabric development and testing
Ability to balance creativity with cost, quality, and feasibility
Excellent vendor management and relationship‑building skills
Detail‑oriented with a structured and disciplined R&D approach
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Research and Production
Industries Furniture and Home Furnishings Manufacturing
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About the Opportunity We have a client that is a well-established and growing
home textile company
with a diverse multi-product assortment across key home categories, including table linens, kitchen textiles, pillows, rugs, mats, bedding, and bath. The company is known for its strong design capabilities, global sourcing expertise, and ability to respond quickly to evolving market trends while delivering high-quality, cost-effective products to major retail partners.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in driving material innovation, sustainability, and differentiation across multiple home textile categories.
Summary The
R&D Material Manager
will lead the research, development, and sourcing of innovative fabrics, trims, finishes, and raw materials for home textile products. This role is responsible for identifying new material technologies, advancing sustainability initiatives, and ensuring materials meet performance, compliance, cost, and quality standards.
The position serves as a critical link between
design, product development, sourcing, quality, and global suppliers/fabric mills
to deliver market-leading and differentiated product offerings.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in
Textiles, Material Science, Textile Engineering , or a related field
7–10 years of experience in material development, R&D, or sourcing within home textiles, apparel, or soft goods
Strong knowledge of
textile fibers, weaving/knitting techniques, dyeing and finishing processes , and fabric testing standards
Experience driving
sustainable and innovative material initiatives
Established network of
global mills and suppliers
across key production regions such as India, Pakistan, China, Turkey, Egypt, Portugal, and others
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple developments across categories and timelines
Proficiency in
PLM/ERP systems
and advanced Excel; CAD or textile design software a plus
Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
Key Responsibilities
Research, source, and develop new fabrics, yarns, finishes, and treatments aligned with brand positioning, cost targets, and quality standards
Analyze global trend reports (WGSN, Fashion Snoops, etc.) to identify relevant textile trends, innovations, and emerging technologies
Propose new materials and constructions to design and merchandising teams for seasonal assortments
Co‑develop new fabrics, weaves, and finishes with mills while optimizing material costs and identifying savings opportunities
Ensure understanding and application of raw material performance standards, including colorfastness, pilling, tensile and tear strength, and flammability
Sustainability & Compliance
Partner with sustainability teams to identify certified and eco‑friendly material solutions (GOTS, OEKO‑TEX, BCI, GRS, recycled polyester, etc.)
Ensure all materials meet regulatory, safety, and retailer‑specific compliance requirements, including chemical restrictions and testing protocols
Build and maintain strong relationships with global textile mills, material suppliers, and innovation partners
Evaluate vendor capabilities and manage seasonal innovation briefs
Negotiate lead times, minimum order quantities, and development costs
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with design and product development to integrate innovative materials into collections
Collaborate with costing and sourcing teams to ensure materials meet financial targets and production feasibility
Work with quality and compliance teams to test and validate material performance
Process & Database Management
Establish and maintain a comprehensive
material library and database , including test results and supplier details
Develop standardized procedures for material development, testing, and approvals
Provide material education, training, and trend presentations to design, merchandising, and sourcing teams
Strong curiosity and passion for
textile innovation
Deep technical expertise in
fabric development and testing
Ability to balance creativity with cost, quality, and feasibility
Excellent vendor management and relationship‑building skills
Detail‑oriented with a structured and disciplined R&D approach
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Research and Production
Industries Furniture and Home Furnishings Manufacturing
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