Materials Developer - Sport/Performance Footwear

MISSION/ROLE:The Materials Developer-Sport/Performance is responsible for exploring, developing, and implementing new materials and material concepts in support of sport and performance footwear products. This role partners closely with design, product development, and global supply chain teams to identify, test, and scale materials that meet design intent, performance, and physical/chemical requirements. This role will focus on materials in both inline seasonal product offerings as well as material innovations upstream of the seasonal product creation process.This role will support material storytelling that will elevate product performance, durability, comfort, and brand differentiation. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in textiles, synthetics, foams, and performance laminates and has experience managing development from concept through pre-production.CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES:Lead the research, development, and commercialization of raw materials for athletic footwear that supports Cole Haan's brand positioning and product performancePartner with the design, product development and merchandising teams to establish seasonal materials directionIdentify and evaluate new textiles, engineered meshes, synthetics, knits, coatings, films, and emerging material innovations to deliver extraordinary products with the appropriate aesthetics, functionality, quality and priceProactively explore new materials, constructions, finishes, and technologies relevant to sport and performance footwearResearch global material trends, supplier innovations, and emerging technologies across textiles, synthetics, knits, coatings, foams, and componentsCollaborate with the Director of Product Development to create and manage material development timelines to align with the GTM critical dates and product creation calendarLiaise with product development, merchandising, and overseas materials teams to ensure margins, market needs and end-uses are met.Communicate with overseas materials team and vendor partners to obtain prices, lead-times and minimumsCreate and organize seasonal swatches, materials specs and testing data, maintaining them throughout the product creation milestones, from concept through road lotsAttend local material fairs to source new seasonal materialsProblem solve potential high-risk materials as it pertains to price, usage and/or quality prior to road lotsManage material sampling, testing and approvals to assure quality craftsmanship, details, and execution in line with Cole Haan's quality positioningProvide support to Costing and PLM teamsQUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor's Degree in related field preferred5+ years prior experience in materials sourcing and development in performance footwear such as running, basketball or trainingStrong knowledge and understanding of textiles, synthetics, knits, laminates/films and components materials requiredStrong understanding of footwear development and manufacturing processes strongly preferredExperience in working and communicating with Asia based offices, mills and component suppliersDemonstrated communication skillsHighly organizedHigh level of curiosity with a passion for material exploration and experimentationAbility to multi-task in a fast-paced environmentCollaborative and team playerMicrosoft Word & Microsoft Excel experience requiredAdobe Illustrator and PLM experience a plus