Job Details

As a Sr. Materials Developer at KLIM, you'll be pivotal in elevating our products by sourcing, testing, and implementing cutting-edge fabrics and materials. Your expertise will directly contribute to exceeding our customers' expectations through your involvement in everything from lab testing to strategic long-term planning. If you're skilled at fostering supplier relationships and have an eye for material innovation, this is your chance to be at the forefront of material development in an exciting and dynamic environment. Imagine a career where your contributions not only drive industry trends but also consistently enhance the quality and appeal of our products - that's what awaits you at Klim.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the sourcing and development of new, innovative fabrics and materials, ensuring they meet KLIM's high standards for quality and innovation.
• Conduct thorough testing of fabrics and materials in both lab and field settings to guarantee performance and durability.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers to stay abreast of the latest developments and secure advanced materials.
• Actively seek and onboard new suppliers to expand and diversify our fabric and material innovation capabilities.
• Collaborate with the Design and Sourcing teams to streamline production tracking, focusing on timelines, quality, vendor compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Strategically guide the long-term direction of fabric and material development, including planning and implementation.
• Organize and maintain both physical and digital material libraries, ensuring they are up-to-date with current and future development needs.
• Work closely with various teams, including Logistics, to manage raw material transit costs and efficiencies.
• Continuously seek and implement improvements in product quality and cost-saving alternatives without compromising on standards.
• Anticipate, identify, and solve challenges related to current and future fabrics and materials.

Desired Competencies

• Innovative Thinking

  You are adept at thinking creatively to find novel solutions. This means identifying and acting on opportunities for new and improved fabrics and materials.

  
  

• Strategic Relationship Management

  You excel in building and maintaining productive relationships with suppliers and internal teams, ensuring KLIM stays at the forefront of material innovation.

  
  

• Effective Communication

  You have a strong ability to communicate clearly and effectively, facilitating seamless collaboration between internal teams, contractors, and material suppliers throughout the development process.

  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required – preferably with a focus in textile design or similar.
• 5+ years of experience in textile or material development.
• Proficiency in computer software, including Excel, Word, and PLM.
• Demonstrated ability to adhere to strict deadlines and deliver accurate, complete, quality data on time.
• Advanced knowledge of fabric, trims, and global market trends.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, ensuring effective team collaboration and supplier relations.
• In-depth product knowledge and awareness of competitive market dynamics.

Working Conditions

• Inside work with no exposure to weather conditions.
• Standard office environment
• 20-30% travel required, including international travel (Europe and SE Asia primarily)
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.