We are looking for a Senior Fabric Research & Development Manager to bring creativity and expertise to our team. You will help develop fabrics that meet our aesthetic, sustainability, and performance goals while aligning with global sourcing strategies and quality standards to differentiate our products in the market.
About the Job- Innovation:
- Stay up to date with industry trends, technological advancements, and latest materials.
- Prioritize and align innovation projects with main business strategies and main projects.
- Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities for difference and new ideas.
- Advocate for sustainable and environmentally responsible fabric solutions.
- Protect intellectual property through appropriate measures, including non-disclosure agreements and patents.
- Define performance metrics and report progress to partners.
- Research & Development Strategy:
- Lead and provide technical support to business, suppliers, and vendors, keeping up-to-date with industry trends, regulatory standards, and new technologies.
- Ensure development process focus on timelines and approval attempts per match.
- Manage technical and economic feasibility trials to evaluate new materials and processes.
- Collaborate with Operations to refine processes and create SOPs that enhance supply chain efficiency and internal operations.
- Communicate complex technical concepts to influence decision-making.
- Product Development:
- Apply expert knowledge to raw material analysis and interpretation.
- Work with design and product development teams to ensure fabric development aligns with product specifications and timelines.
- Develop material standards and test methods in partnership with the Product Integrity team.
- Create and share technical specifications for raw materials with suppliers and vendors.
- Build the technical validation and approval process for raw materials and resolve related issues.
- Research and develop sustainable raw materials and processes to enhance product and supply chain efficiency.
- Mitigate risks by ensuring transparency in the supply chain, including chemical management and compliance programs.
- Mentoring:
- Provide technical mentoring to vendors and suppliers.
- Build a network of third-party support to lead learning.
- Offer onboarding for vendors and suppliers, monitoring for continuous improvement.
- Vendor Relationships:
- Cultivate a strategic network of contacts to expand capabilities and expertise.
- Develop transformational partnerships with vendors and suppliers to support business strategies, innovation, and quality improvements.
About You- 8-10 years of experience in the textile or related industry with a track record in fabric R&D and project management.
- Experience of yarn spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing, polymers, and finishing processes.
- Expert technical knowledge of garment dry and wet processing, printing, and finishing processes.
- Knowledge in the manufacturing of cut and sew garments.
- Experience with large-scale commercial manufacturing and commercialization.
- Background in engineering and validating performance claims.
- Expertise in material testing methods.
- Strategic and conceptual thinking skills with project management capabilities.
- Work with other teams and work in a global environment.
This is a hybrid work schedule based in our Culver City, CA headquarters. We expect you in office 3 days per week, typically Tuesday-Thursday. Note, time in office can vary depending on our needs.
The expected starting salary range for this role is $115,000 - $140,000 per year We may pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. We will base the amount an employee will earn within the salary range on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, performance and our needs.
Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) offers a total rewards package that includes base pay, incentive plans, 401(k) matching, paid leave, health insurance, product discounts, and more designed to help you and your family stay healthy, meet your financial goals, and balance the demands of your work and personal life. Available benefits and incentive compensation vary depending upon the specifics of the role; details relating to a specific role will be made available upon request. Read more about our benefits here.
LOCATIONUSA, Culver City, Beyond Yoga HQ
FULL TIME/PART TIMEFull time
FILL DATEThis position is expected to be filled by 08/24/2026.
Current LS&Co Employees, apply via your Workday account.
