Head of Materials Development

The Head of Materials Development leads and manage the technical, on-time development and industrialization of all materials from concept through to bulk production.  

This key role entails managing and developing a dedicated team of materials development managers as well as working in close collaboration with product development and with design, sourcing, colour and quality teams to ensure that all materials meet our brand’s standards for performance, quality, durability, innovation, and sustainability. 

You will be accountable for ensuring the functional readiness and commercial viability of materials across categories, contributing directly to product excellence and customer satisfaction. 

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for: 

• Lead and manage the Materials Development team, overseeing the development of all textile, non-textile materials from concept through to bulk production including washed garments. 

• Ensure all materials meet Gymshark’s standards for quality, durability, performance (including wash garment and colour fastness, aesthetics, and compliance across all product categories.  

• Drive on-time material development, ensuring alignment with seasonal calendars, product development milestones, and bulk production timelines. 

• Collaborate closely with product development, design, and sourcing teams to align material specifications with garment functionality and innovation needs. 

• Oversee testing and validation protocols guaranteeing materials are performing and production ready. Manage the relationship with 3rd party laboratories. 

• Manage the industrialization process, from base development and prototyping through to final bulk approval, working closely with mills and manufacturing partners. 

• Establish and maintain technical documentation, including material specifications, test results, and performance benchmarks. 

• Monitor industry trends, innovations, and sustainability opportunities in materials science, and translate them into competitive advantages. 

• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, fostering collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement as well as evaluating their performance. 

• Champion sustainability and circularity, integrating responsible material sourcing and lifecycle thinking into development processes. 

• Support the sourcing strategy and regionalisation through developing locally sourced materials. 

• Act as the technical referent for materials. 

Accountable for:  

• Managing the Development on time of all materials for all categories of products as per Gymshark standards and technical and quality requirements. 

• Developing and fostering a high performing team. 

• Managing the evaluation and performance of the materials suppliers. 

 

KEY SKILL REQUIRED ESSENTIAL IN THIS ROLE IS: Experience at Gymshark or elsewhere managing a material development team for an apparel brand.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Essential Skills: 

• Proven success in leading teams 

• Advanced technical knowledge in fibre, yarn, fabric, knitting, weaving dyeing and finishing.  

• Knowledge of lab testing, global and commercial fabric testing criteria.  

• Excellent communication skills 

• Ability to influence stakeholders 

• Experience working with global markets 

• Analyse supplier performance and make suggestions on improvements. 

• Strong knowledge of sustainable methods and practices within material production settings as well as within the product design/development stages.  

• Knowledge of garment construction is highly desirable.  

• Ability to anticipate problems, offer solutions, and address issues with materials. 

• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills. 

• Proficient at presenting to numerous different stakeholders in an engaging and informative way.  

• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite and data management systems such as PLM.  

• Ability to travel  

 

Preferred Skills: 

• Experience in digital retail businesses  

• Understanding of active/sport/fitness/fashion markets on a macro level 

Please note: As part of your application form you will be asked a question that will require you to provide an example of how you have used this in your work to date.