Materials Innovation Developer, PRO – Advanced Concepts

Job Summary

As the Materials Innovation Developer, PRO - Advanced Concepts, you research, source and develop novel, innovative materials used in industry-leading apparel/equipment for the professional user (guides, search & rescue, special operations forces). You work ahead of the Product Operations calendar on difficult-to-execute material and trim developments, driven by a combination of design-based briefs, insights/foresight, personal expertise and technology-scouting. The role also interfaces with numerous functions:
Design, Supply Chain, Global Product/Merchandising, acting as the central source of truth and expertise across the material technologies utilized and emerging in the PRO category.

This role is based out of our North Vancouver office and is expected to be performed on-location.

The Advanced Concepts team drives breakthrough innovation in snow, trail and climb for the mountain athlete everywhere. Fueled by curiosity, we take a holistic approach to identifying future needs and tangible solutions across advanced materials, products, technologies, and experiences. We are a team of builders, problem solvers and outdoor enthusiasts. Our in‑house end‑to‑end capabilities in research, engineering, design, development, digital and validation allow us to innovate head‑to‑toe solutions that bring the coast‑mountain experience to the world.

Our unique methodology, mindset of sustainability and fanatic passion for product are at the heart of what we do.

• Evaluate current and potential future supply chain partners with advanced manufacturing and finishing capabilities
• Develop and manage strategic relationships with external innovation partners, suppliers and stakeholders
• Develop bespoke and novel protective textiles utilizing the latest in fiber, yarn, knitting/weaving, printing and finishing technologies
• Develop innovative material platform technologies
• Translate insights from business partners, athletes and professional users into achievable material properties
• Envision and develop innovative materials in collaboration with Advanced Concepts and Design teams; considering product functionality, aesthetics, sustainability and circularity
• Provide knowledge and consultation to cross‑functional partners on the landscape, limitations, and future possibilities of protective textile technologies
• Collaborate with the Raw Materials, Compliance and Quality teams to ensure innovation research has supply‑chain relevance and feasibility
• Ensure operational excellence through the implementation and commercialization of materials deliverables against the Go‑To‑Market (GTM) calendar dates and gates
• Design, evaluate and report on field tests, lab tests and vendor‑supplied materials data to make decisions through consultation on inclusion or improvements
• Collaborate with universities, labs, and other industry organizations to push forward new technologies
• Contribute to areas beyond materials in advanced concept practices and processes throughout development, design and manufacturing
• Provide guidance and recommendations to Design and Materials teams on material direction, suitability and innovation; monitor and assist with material needs during product creation cycles
• Provide materials expertise and recommendations through consultations with various teams, establishing SOP or guidance for technology transfer
• Maintain an up‑to‑date knowledge of performance and sustainable textile industry trends, continuously building textile expertise and a network of contacts within the industry
• Navigate, contribute to and maintain a robust Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio, proprietary solutions and exclusivity on materials projects in partnership with the Legal team
• Partner with the Innovation Operations team on materials‑specific resourcing opportunities including funding, academic and internship programs (SR&ED, IRAP, NRC, MITACS and so forth), including registering own hours

• Initiate bespoke joint developments with a range of material partnerships, at or beyond Tier 2 level suppliers
• Create and coordinate a cadence of material redesigns and innovations for key product franchises
• Transfer…