Materials Manager

Overview

The Materials Manager - Gear & Advanced Innovation leads the development, validation, and commercialization of advanced material systems for REI Gear categories. This role focuses on technical fabrics and systems-including coatings, laminations, membranes, bonded constructions, and surface technologies-and drives open innovation with mills, chemical suppliers, and external partners.

This role bridges material science and product execution, translating emerging technologies into scalable, production-ready solutions that meet REI's performance, durability, sustainability, and supply-chain requirements.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

Leadership and Team Development

* Inspire and lead a high-performing team of material developers, providing coaching, mentorship, and professional development.

* Define key responsibilities and practices to promote teamwork, innovation, and confidence in leadership.

* Foster a culture of collaboration and accountability, supporting cross-functional goals across Materials design, product strategy, sourcing, and sustainability.

Material Development

* Develop and execute a strategic multi-season material development aligned with REI's product and brand goals.

* Evaluate material performance, quality, and sustainability to meet REI Co-op Brands' aesthetic, functional, and environmental requirements.

* Partner with Material design and product development teams to deliver innovative material stories that reflect consumer insights and field use.

* Drive continuous improvement by assessing risks, addressing challenges, and refining materials through lab and 3rd party testing validation processes.

Supplier and Vendor Management

* Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with global and regional suppliers, driving efficiency and optimizing the materials portfolio.

* Oversee vendor performance and conduct on-site troubleshooting to ensure adherence to quality and delivery standards.

* Provide technical guidance during production trials and commercial transfers, ensuring smooth execution and scalability.

Operational and Strategic Excellence

* Plan and execute materials calendars and processes, ensuring milestones are achieved across departments.

* Attend material shows and industry events to source new materials and gain insights into supplier capabilities.

* Collaborate with HQ teams to support innovation projects and ensure successful regional implementation.

* Develop and maintain a strategic toolbox of materials that enhance profitability and operational efficiency.

Qualifications:

* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Textile Technology, or related field.

* 7+ years of experience in material development, sourcing, and sustainability within the outdoor or related industries.

* Proven ability to lead teams and manage cross-functional projects in a global, fast-paced environment.

* Strong technical expertise in fabric, coating, lamination and insulation, with hands-on experience in commercialization.

* Deep understanding of sustainability certifications and industry standards (e.g., Textile Exchange, GRS).

* Exceptional negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Closing

At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity - that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.

Pay Transparency

We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.

REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off.  for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.

Pay Range

$ - $ per year