Sr Director - Materials and Wash R&D

American Eagle Outfitters • New York, NY

87d

About The Position

The Senior Director of Materials and Wash R D will provide strategic leadership and vision across the company's fabric development, color, and wash processes to drive brand differentiation, product innovation, and operational excellence. This executive will lead a global team to deliver world-class textile solutions, championing cutting-edge fabric, wash, and color development aligned with brand aesthetics and sustainability goals. A critical thought partner to Design, Production, and Merchandising, this role ensures scalable innovation, supplier collaboration, and process discipline across AEO Inc.'s brand portfolio.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (MS preferred) in Textile Science, Chemistry, or related field.
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in global textile finishing, color, and wash development, ideally with premium or high-volume brands.
• Demonstrated success in leading global teams and building innovative, scalable product development strategies.
• Expertise in both creative and technical aspects of textile and garment production.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• High proficiency in digital tools, color systems, and textile development platforms.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute a holistic innovation strategy for fabric and wash/finishing development that aligns with brand vision, cost frameworks, sustainability goals and production capabilities.
• Lead the development of long-term infrastructure for wash innovation, including proprietary techniques, lab capabilities, and strategic partnerships with global suppliers and local wash centers.
• Identify and commercialize emerging fiber/fabric technologies, sustainable materials, and market-first developments through a global trend and supplier lens.
• Develop and implement raw material strategies that align with business goals, focusing on speed-to-market, quality, and cost optimization.
• Build and strengthen high-impact partnerships with global mills, laundries, and factories to ensure performance, innovation, speed to market, and sustainability compliance.
• Serve as executive liaison for seasonal wash/trim concept development and strategic sourcing, including oversight of Denim Mill Week and global Fabric Weeks.
• Lead the evaluation and onboarding of alternative mills and suppliers, driving diversification and resilience in the supply chain.
• Apply deep regulatory and trade knowledge on a global scale to optimize raw material strategy, including rules of origin, traceability, and verification requirements.
• Drive vendor empowerment in raw material development, including color, print, and wash processes, to accelerate approvals and enhance collaboration.
• Elevate cross-functional collaboration with Design, Production, Sourcing, Quality Assurance, and Merchandising to ensure technical alignment and timely execution of creative vision.
• Drive operational excellence by defining and optimizing end-to-end processes in fabric R D, color standardization, and wash execution.
• Translate brand creative into scalable, production-ready solutions that meet design intent, margin goals, and delivery timelines.
• Oversee color management, ensuring brand consistency and accuracy across all channels and regions.
• Standardize color approval protocols, including the implementation of digital color systems (e.g., CSI, Pantone) and platforms such as Natific and Tradestone.
• Lead global shade standardization processes, sample evaluation, and troubleshooting with mills and laundries to uphold brand quality standards.
• Represent AEO Inc. at major textile and innovation forums, driving brand visibility and early access to transformative technologies.
• Champion sustainability and responsible innovation across wash and dye processes, aligning with broader ESG commitments.

Benefits

• Health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental)
• Wellness benefits
• 401(k) retirement benefits
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee stock purchase program
• Paid time off
• Paid sick leave
• Parental leave and benefits
• Discretionary bonuses and other incentives

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Clothing, Clothing Accessories, Shoe, and Jewelry Retailers
• Education Level: Master's degree