What are the responsibilities and job description for the Material Developer I - HOKA Apparel and Accessories position at Deckers Brands?
At Deckers Brands, Together, Every Step is a promise kept that every employee can bring their authentic self, is valued and supported, as a whole person, at work and beyond. Together, Every Step is how we continue to deliver exceptional business results, experience an amazing place to work, and have a positive impact on the communities and world around us.
Job Title: Material Developer I - HOKA Apparel and Accessories
Reports to: Materials Manager, HOKA Apparel and Accessories
Reports to: Materials Manager, HOKA Apparel and Accessories
Location: Portland, OR (Hybrid)
The Role
The Materials Developer I plays a crucial role in supporting the development of apparel and accessory materials from concept through commercialization. With a foundational understanding of material types, you will collaborate cross-functionally with Product Development, Design, and Product Line Management teams to coordinate and execute material development within seasonal calendars and Deckers policy. Your problem-solving skills will help mitigate risks and bring the Hoka brand vision to life.
We celebrate diversity-of your background, your experiences and your unique identity. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace where all of our employees can Come as They Are. We believe that when we bring our different perspectives to work, we are truly Better Together.
Your Impact
- Manage the development of appropriate materials for product build from concept through commercialization.
- Identify opportunities for new and improved materials that meet the needs of the product build including performance, aesthetic, cost, and source location.
- Execute and drive material development deadlines to support seasonal product calendars.
- Responsible for the creation and maintenance of material development data in FPLM in accordance with deadlines and cross-functional needs.
- Attend Seasonal Milestone meetings, communicating information regarding seasonal materials including updates, risks, pricing challenges, and material alternatives.
- Initiate, oversee, and maintain seasonal material data for seasonal KPI tracking.
- Review material swatches with cross-functional partners, problem-solving through issues and communicating updates to suppliers.
- Create and manage material resources and toolkits such as physical and digital material palettes for brand seasonal and core materials, master swatches, and resource binders.
- Explore new material opportunities based on brand strategies in collaboration with sustainability and innovation teams and supply chain partners.
- Collaborate with material operations teams on process improvement opportunities and advancements.
- Travel to development factories, material vendors, and trade shows as necessary.
Who You Are
- Bachelor's degree (with a focus on textiles, apparel design, merchandising management, or related field preferred) or equivalent work experience.
- 3 years of professional experience working with a global company in the apparel industry, preferably in materials or development.
- Foundational understanding of textiles (i.e. knits, wovens, synthetics, yarns, printing and/or dyeing).
- Material physical property testing knowledge preferred.
- Familiarity with web-based product life cycle management tools preferred.
- Familiarity with apparel development and manufacturing preferred.
- General awareness and insight of trends in the apparel industry.
- Confidence to establish, build, and maintain relationships with internal and external partners.
- Ability to work well under pressure and remain organized.
- Demonstrates presence, influence, and collaboration across a broader team.
- Must be adaptable and flexible with the ability to operate in the dynamic environment of a growing brand.
- Must be a motivated team player and self-starter, have a proactive personality.
- Must have a keen attention to detail – recording article numbers, material article names, and descriptions.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to prioritize, plan, and execute to calendar deadlines.
- Demonstrates curiosity and motivation to learn new skills and apply them accordingly.
What We'll Give You
- Competitive Pay and Bonuses - We’ve created a variety of competitive compensation programs to foster career development, reward success and to show our employees just how much they’re valued.
- Financial Planning and wellbeing - No matter what financial goals our employees have set, we want to help them get there. Our plans provide powerful ways to protect income, pay for expenses and invest in the future.
- Time away from work - Sometimes we need time away to be with family, focus on our health or just simply recharge. Our plans support our employees’ needs to get out, get healthy and come back stronger than ever.
- Extras, discounts and perks - Being a valued member of the Deckers Brands team means more than just a paycheck. From generous discounts to community-based programs, we offer a variety of cool extras
- Growth and Development - Deckers Brands was built on the idea of pursuing passion. That’s why we offer extensive opportunities and support for personal and professional development.
- Health and Wellness - There’s nothing basic about our comprehensive health and wellness programs and offerings. While at work and at play, we aim to support a healthy lifestyle.
Individual pay will be determined by location and additional factors, including job related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Diversity and inclusion are key to our success. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds who share a passion for our brands. We welcome qualified applicants regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, medical condition and all the other beautiful parts of your identity.
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