Lead Technical Raw Material Developer- Crafted Series

Lead Technical Raw Material Developer‑ Crafted Series /USA

Title: Lead Technical Raw Material Developer
- Crafted Series/USA

Department: Global Product Development, Advanced Development R&D

Reports to: Sr. Manager Product R&D Advanced Development

Location: Dearborn, MI

Job Classification: Hybrid

FLSA: Exempt

Job Band: Professional

The Lead Technical Raw Material Developer supports Carhartt’s Product strategy by driving innovation and commercialization in fiber and fabric development for US Manufacturing through the Crafted Series. The role leads research and development through new and existing US Mills/Suppliers ensuring all raw material developments meet quality, cost, and sustainability targets. Responsibilities include building and maintaining the US Mill/Supplier Matrix, collaborating closely with procurement teams to resolve issues, and communicating status updates to cross‑functional teams.

• Set standards for US manufacturing platforms and analyze requirements to ensure fabrics meet quality and cost targets for bulk production handoff to Quality teams.
• Develop and implement production wash standards for denim and washed products, focusing on chemistry, garment finishing, and testing protocols aligned with US manufacturing practices.
• Research and integrate new fiber, yarn, chemistry, and machinery technologies; build a wash library to support seasonal business needs and incorporate sustainability initiatives relevant to US operations.
• Analyze raw material test results promptly; partner with suppliers and procurement teams to troubleshoot and resolve development failures, ensuring compliance with US standards (AATCC, ASTM, EPA, AFIRM RSL).
• Collaborate with procurement teams to select vendors based on capability, technology, and US manufacturing requirements; address issues related to manufacturing locations, pricing, minimum order quantities, delivery, and lead times.
• Participate in product development meetings to share updates, resolve issues, and ensure alignment with design and merchandising teams; provide solutions and recommendations for issue resolution with guidance from management.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with supply chain, US Manufacturing facilities, Procurement Teams, Quality, design, technical design, and color management.
• Lead supplier meetings and onboard new suppliers to support innovation and expand the US supplier base.
• Build and grow the US Mill/Supplier Matrix to support current and future developments; expand onboarding processes and procedures in collaboration with Procurement Teams.

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We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

All associates are required to understand and act in accordance with the Carhartt Core Values. Carhartt reserves the right to change, modify, suspend, interpret or cancel in whole or in any part, the job duties outlined above at any time and without advance notice to the employee.