Fabric Development Manager, Universal Thread

Target • Minneapolis, MN

6d • $73,000 - $132,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Fabric Development Manager, Universal Thread role is within Target's Owned Brand Product Design & Management organization. This team is responsible for the development of all Target-owned brands, from apparel. The role involves starting from scratch and creating original fabric solutions. The manager will stay ahead of industry trends, new materials, and techniques, demonstrating attention to detail to create products that are unprecedented in the marketplace for their design and quality for the price. In close partnership with design and sourcing counterparts, the role drives brand cohesion and continuity, ensuring products meet merchant line plans, assortment strategies, price points, and overall creative direction.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Textiles, Design, or Product Development, or equivalent experience
• 3+ years in fabric development or related field
• Strong knowledge of textile construction and manufacturing processes (knit, woven, dyeing, printing, finishing)
• Experience developing fabrics that meet performance, quality, and sustainability standards
• Knowledge of textile testing methods and standards
• Strong understanding of fabric trends, market shifts, and competitive landscape
• Ability to influence products through a material-first, guest-focused lens
• Strong problem-solving skills, applying technical expertise to product outcomes
• Effective collaborator with the ability to influence cross-functional partners
• Strong communication, organization, and project management skills
• Operates with urgency and manages multiple priorities
• Proactive, solutions-oriented, and stays closely connected to the work

Responsibilities

• Define and drive fabric strategy aligned to brand vision, seasonal direction, and guest needs
• Bring a strong point of view on materials, informed by trend, market, and consumer insights
• Partner with Design to influence fabric direction at key moments in the product creation process
• Translate design intent into material solutions that balance aesthetics, performance, and cost
• Research and develop raw materials that bring innovation and differentiation to product
• Create and communicate technical fabric specifications to support development and production
• Collaborate with global vendors and suppliers to develop and execute fabrics with consistency and precision
• Apply fabric construction, testing, and manufacturing knowledge to guide decisions and resolve challenges
• Own progress against development timelines, ensuring milestones are met with clear, timely communication
• Translate material priorities into clear direction for cross-functional and global partners

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits and programs (medical, vision, dental, life insurance)
• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Short term disability
• Long term disability
• Paid sick leave
• Paid national holidays
• Paid vacation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree