Senior Manager of Materials

Truewerk•Denver, CO

3h•$105,000 - $115,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We’re looking for a highly driven Senior Manager of Materials based near Denver, CO who thrives on building exceptional product experiences through performance knit and woven materials. This role is for someone eager to dive in, move fast, and make critical material development decisions that directly impact our products and customers. You’ll lead agile development efforts, shape testing protocols, and work hands-on with mills and suppliers—building strong partnerships while pushing materials to perform at the highest level.

Requirements

8-10 years of experience in technical material development, specifically with performance knits and wovens for the athletic, outdoor, or tactical industries.
Expertise in performance attributes (e.g., moisture management, dry rates, waterproof/breathable ratings, durability testing) and the corresponding testing methodologies (e.g., ASTM, ISO, NFPA, AATC standards).
Proven ability to translate user experience goals into technical fabric specifications and manage complex development timelines with global vendors
Ability to analyze trade-offs between aesthetic, performance, and functional attributes of materials
Ability to understand and articulate root cause of a material experience at the fiber and material construction level
Experience partnering with and managing overseas suppliers, vendors, factories, and resources
Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally on a quarterly basis

Nice To Haves

Innate level of handiness and understanding of our consumer’s work, with an ability to communicate in their language and “talk trades”; capable of jumping in on the job site
Proven success in managing material and trim development projects against timelines to stay on track with seasonal delivery schedules
Experience with PLM systems and project management methodologies (we use Backbone)
Experience with laminating/bonding processes for outerwear.
Degree in Textile Science/Engineering or equivalent experience

Responsibilities

Live Truewerk values of Acting Intentionally, Staying Open and Curious, Leading with a Feel, Earning It, and Being in the Arena
Embrace and champion a fast-moving, iterative material development culture—pivoting quickly, testing bold ideas, learning from failure, and refining material concepts to deliver high-impact, user-driven products
Focus on minimum viable products by recognizing the point of diminishing returns in early product development
Adapt to shifting priorities using 3-week sprint cycles within the seasonal release calendar; maintain timeline management across mills, trims, and development resources
Clearly communicate consumer needs and pain points to mills, and support associated material development efforts in a hands-on capacity to ensure material experience and quality standards are exceeded.
Partner with mills to coordinate and manage performance testing plans and material quality standards for new and existing materials to drive consistency and improvement in quality and performance
Manage seasonal material development including new colors and print, manage and comment on lab dips, in partnership with internal and external resources, participate in design reviews
Execute fabric compliance, sustainability, and product safety according to applicable regulations
Source, qualify, cost, and lead the development of high performance knit and woven fabrics, technical yarns, fibers, and membranes with high tech textile mills
Forge productive mill relationships through collaboration, communication, and articulating experience goals and the why behind development initiatives
Ability to qualify mills based on technical and process competencies
Ability to engage in precosting and negotiate new development cost with suppliers
Conduct quality assurance through bulk production reviews of color, appearance, and handfeel
Contribute to the development and upkeep of quality manuals for mills
Partner with finished goods and material suppliers to develop innovative material and construction capabilities and introduce new material concepts that support product development and business goals

Benefits

Employer-paid medical (HDHP & PPO options) and dental plans
Optional vision, pet, accident, cancer, critical illness, and hospitalization insurance
Company-sponsored life, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
Affordable coverage for dependents and domestic partners
HSA with monthly employer contribution
FSA, dependent care, and commuter spending accounts
Employee Assistance Program (free mental health, financial, and legal counseling)
Professional development reimbursement program
Volunteer and community-building opportunities
401(k) with company match
Monthly hybrid work stipend
Hybrid work environment (with great snacks!)
Annual performance bonus
Unlimited PTO policy and paid company holidays
Free workwear for you and discounts for friends and family!