Manager, Raw Material Development

Description

OBJECTIVE

We’re seeking a Materials Manager to lead the strategic development and integration of advanced materials into our product lines. This is a high-impact leadership role that combines deep technical expertise with building and leading a dedicated team of material specialists along with team collaboration and cross-functional influence. You will be responsible not only for identifying and developing cutting-edge materials but also for aligning material strategy with engineering, design, manufacturing, and sustainability goals.

As a member of the product leadership team, you’ll be a key contributor to both technical decision-making and organizational strategy around materials and innovation.

WHAT WE OFFER

We estimate the salary range for this position to be between $116,000 and $132,000 annually. Additionally, we offer extended health and dental benefits, Group RSP with employer matching, a generous bank of wellness days, and industry perks. The final agreed upon salary may vary based on factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Materials Leadership & Strategy

• Build, lead & inspire a technical team who specialize in textile and other material developments, testing, and ongoing material support.

• Set and execute the company’s materials roadmap aligned with design, engineering, and sustainability objectives.

• With your expertise and background in materials development and textile science, you provide the team with vision, leadership, mentorship and direction to ensure that all materials are suitable for use in premium products.

• Responsible for performance results across the team, reporting progress of key performance indicators, mitigating risk, and communicating key information to drive business success.

Technical & Cross-functional Leadership

• Collaborate closely with engineering, design, pattern and prototyping teams to integrate new materials into early-stage product concepts.

• Work collaboratively with the design and engineering teams to identify future user needs and desires, and generate innovative fabric and material solutions in response to those needs

• Guide root-cause analysis and troubleshooting of material-related issues in development and production environments.

Testing, Standards & Compliance

• Define and manage testing protocols to validate material performance (abrasion, UV, thermal, chemical resistance, etc.).

• Ensure all materials meet applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory standards (e.g., USCG, ISO 12402, SOLAS).

• Maintain clear, traceable documentation for technical data, certifications, and compliance records.

• Develop fabric, textile and trims testing standards for both wear and lab testing to meet and exceed performance expectations

Innovation & Sustainability

• Drive continuous innovation by scouting emerging materials, technologies, and academic research relevant to marine safety.

• Champion sustainable material choices, evaluating trade-offs in performance, cost, and environmental impact.

• Initiate and drive sustainable raw materials projects and regulatory processes in alignment with current international regulations and certifications (EU REACH, Bluesign, Oeko-Tex etc.).

Knowledge Management

• Build and manage relationships with development partners, research labs, and material suppliers with a focus on technical collaboration.

• Maintenance and accountability for both digital libraries and physical assets (organization of fabric swatches, trim submits, lab dips, bulk submits, etc)

Qualifications

• Bachelors or advanced degree in Textile Science, Material Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering combined with relevant work experience preferred

• 7+ years of experience in materials development, with at least 2 years in a technical leadership or team management role.

• Demonstrated experience developing and scaling advanced materials in high-performance or safety-critical applications (marine, aerospace, outdoor, or medical preferred).

• Advanced understanding of textile manufacturing and construction, including knitting, dying, laminating, coating, and finishing required.

• Familiarity with DFM (Design for Manufacturing) principles and how materials interact with manufacturing processes (e.g., RF welding, molding, lamination).

• Experience working in or with cross-functional engineering teams in a product-driven company.

• Passion for product innovation, and user-centered design.

• Knowledge of life cycle assessment processes and an understanding of how to evaluate a product’s environmental footprint

• Team player, knowledge of x-functional team accountabilities and requirements

• Familiarity with the activities Mustang Survival builds product for, and the associated performance needs

• Computer skills (Excel, Adobe Illustrator, PLM software, Microsoft office applications and Outlook).