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.

Meet Your Future Team
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.

Core Activities

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

Future Projects

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

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