Job Information
Outdoor Research, LLC Materials Manager in Seattle, Washington
Title Materials Manager
About the Organization About the Organization Since 1981, Outdoor Research has been building award-winning outdoor clothing and gear. We stand behind every product we make with the Outdoor Research Infinite Guarantee- warranty. Find out how we were born from our founder Ron Gregg's research-led approach to problem solving, and discover the origins of our first products in Our Story. Discover our roots in U.S. manufacturing, our legacy in Made in the USA tactical gloves, and our response to the COVID-19 pandemic with the development of face masks and medical-grade personal protective equipment in Protection. Learn about our product processes using recycled materials, how we enforce the safety and wellbeing of our workplaces, and our commitment to all people and the planet in Responsibility. Meet some of our community members who work to create safe, accessible, and equitable outdoor spaces in our Community Partnerships and our Ambassadors. We'd be thrilled to have you join the team and find your Career at Outdoor Research. Outdoor Research Values Curiosity: We are constantly striving to learn and improve ourselves. In our products, as a brand, as a team, and as individuals. Passion: We love what we do and take pride in sharing our work with others. Innovation: We are complex problem solvers. Collaboration: We are better together. Community: We embrace the collective impact we can have from our diverse perspectives; on each other, society, and our environment.
Position Materials Manager 2024
Description
Location: Seattle, Full time (Hybrid) Rate: $85,000 - $95,000
About this role
Outdoor Research is looking for a Materials Manager to lead the research, sourcing, development, and commercialization of raw materials and innovative technologies across diverse categories that meet our design intent, corporate financial goals, and quality expectations. This role will serve as the primary relationship holder for materials suppliers and drive efficiency across the portfolio. You will work closely with your cross-functional partners in design, product management, product development, sourcing, QC and report directly to our Senior Director of Materials Innovation & Sustainability.
What you will do
Partner with Design and Product Management teams to strategically develop or source new materials to support business needs, including long-range and speed to market opportunities.
Collaborate with cross-functional team to ensure that all material developments meet or exceed financial targets and corporate calendar deadlines.
Guide and maintain the fabric library, materials database, and materials supplier matrix.
Create a toolbox of key materials which maximize efficiency and profit across categories.
Evaluate emerging material trends and technology across multiple industries and attend seasonal fabric fairs.
Forge mutually positive relationships with raw materials suppliers globally and develop / maintain existing relationships through ongoing communications.
Lead negotiations on material cost, lead times, and MOQ.
Manage brand performance and quality standards for all materials, including field and lab validation.
Coordinate material orders for prototypes and partner with product team on field testing results.
Partner with the planning team to coordinate SMS yardage and greige planning.
Collaborate cross-functionally to drive sustainability goals through materials management.
Position Requirements
What you should bring to the table
Demonstrated collaboration, interpersonal influence, and teamwork skills.
Strong analytical and data-driven thinking.
Robust project planning, organizational, and time management skills.
High tolerance for ambiguity and initiative to drive timely resolutions.
Excellent presentation and written communication skills with non-English speakers.
International and domestic travel may be required to visit suppliers.
Experience and Qualifications
BA or BS degree in Textiles, Textile Engineering, Textile Manufacturing, or relevant experience.
5-8+ years of textile development and sourcing; technical, performance, or athletic materials experience preferred. Experience with Asia-based international material sourcing a plus.
Demonstrated experience with materials sustainability efforts and practices.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, database skills a plus
What We Bring to the Table:
11 paid holidays each year and 3 floating holidays
Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans
Transportation benefits
PTO and sick/safe time
Paid volunteer time
401k with discretionary company match
Bouldering wall & Gym
Product discounts
Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt
Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time
Location Seattle, WA
EOE Statement OR is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment in an unlawful manner. Employment-related decisions are made based on an individual’s qualifications without regard to race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or military status, genetic information, political ideology or other applicable protected class status. This commitment extends to all employment practices including selection, hiring, placement, recruitment advertising, promotion or transfer, rate of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training, demotion, layoff, or separation. All employment decisions are based upon the qualifications of the individual and the job requirements.
OR supports this commitment with an Affirmative Action Program, which is updated annually. The
objectives of the Affirmative Action Program are to ensure that our team reflects the diversity of our local community. We fully support affirmative action to include women, ethnic minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities throughout our workforce. The OR Affirmative Action Program is available for review by all employees and is maintained in the Human Resources Department.