Material Sourcing & Development Manager (H/F) Shoes & Accessories - Maternity Cover

YOUR MISSION & RESPONSIBILITIES AHEAD OF YOU

As Material Sourcing & Development Manager for Shoes & Accessories, you will report to the Head of Sourcing & Production for Shoes & Accessories.

You will play a crucial role in material innovation, working directly with designers, developers, and production managers to source and develop materials in line with our carbon reduction, and no-virgin-leather strategy - with a strong focus on alternative materials.

You will work from the design stage to production hand off, ensuring that all materials align with the creative vision of our design team while maintaining the brand’s commitment to responsibility, innovation and quality.

You will be working as part of the full product team:

• Material Innovation: Source and develop materials for shoes & accessories in collaboration with material suppliers and innovators, aligning with the brand's no-virgin-leather strategy. Stay informed on the latest innovations in materials.
• Development Process: Work closely with designers and developers to understand creative needs.
• Production: Manage the transition from material development to production, ensuring quality, consistency, production methods and timelines are maintained, in close collaboration with the Production Manager. 
• Supplier Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with material suppliers, organise meetings in person or remotely when needed. Actively source with suppliers new materials, keep colour cards updated, and work with suppliers to develop materials according to design needs.
• Cost Management: Monitor and manage material costs to ensure they meet budget constraints without compromising quality or design.
• Problem Solving: Address material challenges or development issues quickly and effectively, adapting to evolving creative and production needs.
• Data Maintenance: Manage data within PLM system with material information, within development timeframe in order to reach deadlines.

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS

We need a team player with a high sense of the fashion business:

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in material development and production management, preferably within footwear and accessories.
• Strong understanding of materials, particularly non-leather and innovative alternatives.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams including designers, developers, production managers and CSR.
• A strong passion for responsibility, with a keen interest in material innovation and emerging technologies within the fashion or footwear industry.
• Communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners.
• Strong understanding of critical timelines related to the fashion industry.
• Organizational skills with a strong sense of urgency.
• Flair for working with multiple digital tools and platforms and high level of accuracy.
• High level of written and spoken English with good communication skills.
• Knowledge of Centric PLM is an advantage.