Job Description
Fabletics is looking for a Sr. Manager, Material Development.
How do you fit in?
As Sr. Manager, Material Development, you will be the creative and technical authority for materials at Fabletics, shaping the aesthetic vision and development strategy for fabrics across the brand. You will lead material development from concept through commercialization. This is a high-impact leadership role where impeccable taste meets technical mastery.
You will manage and develop the Sr. R&D Associates, partner closely with Design, and set the standard for what exceptional materials look, feel, and perform like at Fabletics. This role requires deep material expertise, a high taste level, and the strategic mindset to scale ideas into product.
The Sr. Manager, Material Development will report to the Sr. Director, Fabric Development, Innovation & Sourcing.
What you will do:
Material Development & Strategy
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Own the end-to-end material development roadmap, from seasonal concept ideation through bulk production approval.
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Lead direct mill and vendor partnerships globally, optimizing cost and quality; negotiate pricing and lead times with mills and suppliers. Ensure all quality meets our standards.
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Translate design intent into manufacturable, performance-driven, and commercially viable material solutions; embed material milestones into the product calendar.
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Identify global material trends, emerging technologies, and consumer insights, linking them to clear business and aesthetic opportunities.
Cross-Functional Partnership
- Build and sustain strong functional relationships. Collaborate closely with Design, Product Development, Production, Merchandising, and Tech Design to ensure materials meet aesthetic, performance, cost, and delivery targets.
- Communicate complex material findings, risks, and trade-offs clearly to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Champion a culture of curiosity, speed, and continuous improvement.
Team Leadership & People Development
- Directly manage and develop the fabric team; coaching performance, building capability, and fostering a high-standards environment.
- Build scalable workflows and SOPs that elevate quality, accountability, and speed across the material development function.
- Operate as a senior leader within the Fabric, Color, & Trims department — contributing to team strategy, departmental goals, and broader cross-functional initiatives.
Project & Process Management
- Prioritize multiple material projects across concurrent seasons and categories.
- Maintain dashboards and reports to track development progress, cost savings, supplier performance, and approvals.
- Own material data in PLM/BOM systems; ensure accuracy, version control, and visibility.
- Demonstrate systems and data fluency, including Smartsheet and PLM platforms; comfort with AI tools is highly valued.
What you bring:
- 7+ years of fabric development experience, including end-to-end material programs across lifestyle and performance fabrics. Experience in sport/activewear materials required.
- Bachelor's degree in Textile Design, Materials Science, Apparel Design, or a related field preferred.
- 3+ years managing a team within material development, R&D, fabric, or material design functions — with a track record of developing talent and building high-performing teams.
- Deep technical expertise across knit and or wovens (yarns, dyes, finishes, and prints) with a strong ability to problem solve material quality issues as they arise.
- High taste level and understanding of how material trends impact product design.
- Proven partnership with Design, balancing creative intent with technical feasibility.
- Direct experience with global fabric mills including managing costs, lead times, and development timeline management.
- Strong color acuity and attention to aesthetic detail.
- Builder mindset: comfortable creating new processes and SOPs, and scaling new ways of working in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally to mills, factories, and trade shows.
- Ideal candidate brings foundational AI literacy, including experience using generative AI tools, and a proactive mindset to experiment with new technologies to drive productivity and innovation.
Where we are:
- This role will be based in our El Segundo Headquarters
Compensation & Total Rewards:
At Fabletics, we believe work and life should fit together! We continue to build a culture of flexibility, to empower you to do your best and put yourself first. Our Total Rewards program rewards employees for their hard work, supporting their health, well-being, families, and ultimately their life journey. Total Rewards at Fabletics includes:
-Hybrid Work Schedule*
-Discretionary Paid Time Off*
-Summer Fridays*
-Healthcare Plans
-Employee Discounts
-401k
-Annual Bonus Program
-Equity Program*
-And More
*Varied for retail, fulfillment and fully remote roles.
The annual base salary range for this position is from $110,000-$140,000. The range provided includes the base salary that Fabletics expects to pay for the role. Offered base salary will be dependent on factors including the scope and complexity of the role, candidate’s related work experience, subject matter expertise and work location.
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Security Alert: Protect yourself from scams
At Fabletics, we're dedicated to recruiting top talent who share our drive for innovation. To safeguard candidates, Fabletics emphasizes legitimate recruitment practices. Initial communication is primarily via official email addresses and LinkedIn; beware of deviations. Personal data and sensitive information will not be solicited during the application phase. Interviews are conducted via phone, in person, or through the approved platforms Teams or Zoom—never via messaging apps or other calling services. Offers are merit-based, communicated verbally, and followed up in writing. If personal information is requested to initiate the hiring process, rest assured it will be through secure and protected means.
Fabletics, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, compensate, develop, and promote regardless of race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable. At Fabletics, Inc., we champion a vibrant workplace culture that thrives on diversity law and do not tolerate discrimination or harassment. We are one team from many backgrounds, innovating through diversity of individuals, who are driven by passion for creating an inclusive space for all. Fabletics, Inc. will continue to champion a workplace culture that prizes diversity and inclusivity.
We encourage you to apply regardless of meeting all qualifications and/or requirements.
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