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. Click here for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.

Pay Range $113,200.00 - $181,100.00 per year