Director of Material Sourcing and R&D

Levi Strauss•Culver City, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role leads the end-to-end strategy and sustainable development of fabrics and trims, aligning with the long-range plan (LRP), multi-year product vision, and seasonal priorities. The Director will define and operationalize the raw material sourcing strategy, driving innovation with key mill partners and identifying/onboarding new suppliers. Accountability includes ensuring materials meet brand aesthetics, performance, quality, and end-use requirements at scale. The position oversees the development and evolution of a comprehensive material portfolio and library, including in-line materials, pipeline innovation, and future-forward concepts, grounded in testing and performance data. The role requires anticipating shifts in demand and translating insights into material direction. Collaboration is key, working cross-functionally with Merchandising, Design, Product Development, and Sourcing, while providing senior-level technical leadership to supplier partners. The Director also owns the color approval process, overseeing lab dips, strike-offs, knit-downs, and handloom approvals in partnership with Design. In collaboration with Materials Production, the role ensures strong execution from sampling through bulk, proactively mitigating risk and resolving issues across the material and garment lifecycle.

Requirements

10 + years' experience in Material R&D and product development including in-depth knowledge of R&D, Textile technology, development, sourcing and testing and material quality requirements.
Advanced education in Textile Technology and understanding of performance and technical materials within a Performance/Active brand space.
Influence and lead change management within the team, across partners and leadership.
Set, schedule, and achieve all seasonal product development deadlines and ensure team are tracking against important milestone deliveries.
Stay informed about industry trends, competitor products, and customer preference to promote product improvement and difference.
Solid fabric construction knowledge across a specialized area (i.e. woven, knit, yarn, trim).
Clear understanding of dyeing, printing and finishing techniques.
Develop and implement Process improvements expertise.
Customer service orientation.
Work and communicate directly with senior level directors.

Responsibilities

Develop materials and bring forward material innovations to bring proprietary fabrics to market for Beyond Yoga.
Lead the Beyond Yoga Material Sustainability strategy, integrated with LS&Co. corporate sustainability goals and teams.
Ensure appropriate sustainability testing, performance, and certifications are in place at BY.
Manage Sustainability plans related to material development, ensuring sustainable manufacturing practices are followed and inherent in the materials.
Create material library, material spec sheets, test results, and lab dip/color approvals.
Work with Design and Merchandising on material development based on LRP, Strategic product strategy, and design direction.
Ensure all materials are ready to go to market, including testing, performance claims, and sustainability.
Work with the Production team in troubleshooting issues with suppliers during the sample and production process.
Lead and provide updates to partner teams on all new fabric and color inquiries, seasonal color palettes, and costing.
Manage sample yardage status, such as cotton traceability and pattern copyright protocols with mills/factories.
Provide detailed and accurate information on fabrications/colors/cost.
Operate with working knowledge of the Product Development timeline and partners (PD teams, Design, Merchandising).
Demonstrate understanding of costing possible effects as they relate to product development, material briefs, and cost/imu targets.
Meet innovation goals, Global Sourcing Strategies, cost, quality, safety, and Terms of Engagement and Sustainability requirements during product development.