Senior Materials Manager, Leathergoods And Shoes

Summary

The Senior Materials Manager leads material strategy and development for leather goods and shoes, aligning innovation, quality, sustainability, cost, and speed to market. This role partners with design, product management, sourcing, and other global teams to guide materials from concept through commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal and long-range leather and materials strategies aligned with brand and business objectives.
• Lead material research, development, sourcing, costing, approvals, testing, and commercialization.
• Build supplier and tannery partnerships and resolve development or production issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance responsible sourcing, innovation, and process improvements.
• Maintain material libraries, records, tools, and development workflows.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in leather and materials development, sourcing, product development, or a related field.
• Expertise in material innovation, commercialization, supplier management, and cost strategies.
• Strong leadership, analytical, communication, project management, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working with global sourcing organizations, vendors, and international supply networks.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and PLM systems; ability to travel internationally 1-2 times annually.