Raw Materials Specialist

Designer Brands Inc.•New York, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Raw Materials Specialist, you will help bring our product vision to life through innovative leathers, materials, and trims. Partnering closely with Design, Sourcing, Product Development, and global supplier partners, you'll translate creative concepts into material solutions that balance aesthetics, quality, cost, and sustainability across our portfolio of owned brands.

Requirements

8+ years of experience in leather and materials research and development.
Bachelor's degree in Textile, Fashion Design, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
Strong knowledge of leather, materials, construction methods, and finishing techniques; footwear experience strongly preferred.
Understanding of product development and production processes.
Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to influence and build consensus across cross-functional teams.
Experience supporting multiple brands and managing competing priorities.
Knowledge of sustainable materials, traceability programs, and compliance requirements.
Understanding of current and emerging material trends and supplier capabilities.

Nice To Haves

Footwear experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Research and develop leathers, materials, and trims that support seasonal product strategies.
Partner with Design teams to identify material innovations, trends, and new development opportunities.
Attend industry trade shows and supplier presentations to stay current on emerging materials and technologies.
Partner with Design and Sourcing teams to align material development with brand, product, and sourcing strategies.
Translate design concepts into clear material direction for sourcing teams and supplier partners.
Recommend material solutions that support both creative and commercial objectives.
Build and maintain strong relationships with material suppliers and regional vendors.
Support material and trim digitalization initiatives across the supplier network.
Manage material trackers, maintain resource libraries, and help ensure key development milestones are met.
Apply technical expertise to balance design intent, quality, manufacturability, cost, and margin objectives.
Support sustainable material initiatives, including traceability, certifications, recycled-content validation, and compliance requirements.
Support sample development and material approvals throughout the product creation process.