Lead the Outerwear & Activewear Development team in the research, development, communication & recommendation of new fabrics and trims on a seasonal basis. Facilitate the development and commercialization of all materials and trims. Ensure the effective and efficient development of fabrics and trims to achieve Eddie Bauer’s requirements for aesthetic, quality, and costing parameters. Manage the Field Testing program.

Corporate Accountability:
• Research, design and development execution that meets or exceeds corporate margin goals
• Strict adherence to the milestones and deadlines of the critical path calendar
• Design and develop “Best” quality products

Core Accountabilities:

Partner with Design Directors and Vice President of Outerwear and Activewear Design to conceive, design and develop advanced fiber, fabric, trim, and treatment technologies in keeping with Eddie Bauer’s standard for product innovation. Work with fiber, fabric, and other vendors on advanced product development as it relates to materials and trims (18 to 24 months out). Provide direction to Design and Technical Design teams enabling them to incorporate new technologies and concepts into seasonal designs.

Lead the Development team in the research and presentation to design team of seasonal fabric & trim trends and concepts.

Partner with Sourcing to ensure fabric and trim sourcing and development strategies are consistent with the overall Sourcing strategy. Provide commercialization guardrails identify and communicate advantages and risks of fabric and trim options to RD& D team.

Manage fabric and trim supplier relationships to ensure they are aware of quality standards, timelines, and product development processes. Facilitate Mill / Supplier meetings with Design and Development.

Manage the Product Development calendar. Communicate development status and potential issues to Merchandising, Design, Technical Design and Sourcing.


Manage the Field Test process by coordinating fabrics, trims, and components and manufacture by vendors. Ensure timely development of Field Test samples. Devise and coordinate appropriate wear tests to establish key performance metrics. Manage the feedback process from Field Testers and ensure timely communication to Design.

Manage Fabric and Trim Library including approval samples, bulk material archives, and master seasonal material database

Manage the budget for fabric, trim, and Field Test samples.

Ensure that initial costing sheets for all products developed are in alignment with Merchant cost and margin requirements and Sourcing strategy.

Track, monitor and facilitate seasonal trim, fabric and wash development. Compile, maintain and update fabric and trim sheets.

Initiate, communicate and follow through with materials suppliers to support the development of seasonal styles.

Initiate early negotiations related to pricing and minimums in fabric & materials through initial costing of garment by sourcing team.

Partner with QA & garment supplier to achieve desired wash and finish aesthetic for each season.

Procure and organize materials testing samples on behalf of QA to ensure quality expectations are achieved within critical path calendar deadlines. Work with mills to ensure fabrics and trims meet our quality assurance standards.

JOB REQUIREMENTS: Education/Experience Required:
• 2 or 4 year degree in related field
• 8 – 10 years of successful product development and fabric sourcing experience
• Textile knowledge of fibers, yarn, fabric construction, dyeing, finishing, and costing
• Knowledge of testing methods, interpretation and application of results
• Thorough understanding of the product development process including timelines
• Proficiency in Word and Excel
• Outdoor/active market experience with a personal passion for the living the outdoor lifestyle