Senior Material Technologist

ASAP - Ongoing

Central London

£55000 - £60000

Permanent

Create has partnered with a global family business behind some of the world’s most recognised active and lifestyle brands.

They are looking for a passionate and commercially minded Senior Material Technologist to help shape the future of technical apparel across our outdoor and cycling categories.

This is a highly influential specialist role where you’ll lead material innovation and development across performance product categories — working on everything from waterproof technologies and lightweight fabrics to next-generation sustainable materials.

You’ll partner closely with Design, Product Development, Sourcing and Supply Chain teams, as well as global mills and suppliers, to bring innovative, high-performance materials from concept through to production.

If you thrive on solving technical challenges, spotting emerging material opportunities and influencing product creation at brand level, this is an exciting opportunity to make a visible impact within a global product organisation.

What you’ll be doing

Lead material innovation

Drive the seasonal and long-term material strategy across apparel categories

Identify and develop innovative fabrics, trims and material solutions that elevate product performance and consumer experience

Build and evolve material palettes across key categories including waterproof, insulated, lightweight and stretch apparel

Explore new technologies, constructions and finishes that improve comfort, durability, breathability and thermal performance

Stay connected to market, consumer and industry trends to bring fresh thinking into the product creation process

Build world-class supplier partnerships

Develop strong relationships with global mills, suppliers and innovation partners

Collaborate closely with sourcing and manufacturing teams across Asia and wider supply regions

Translate creative and technical briefs into commercially viable material solutions

Support supplier negotiations around capability, lead times, costing and MOQ management

Ensure technical excellence

Analyse and interpret lab testing and performance data to guide material decisions

Oversee wear testing, wash testing, durability and compliance requirements

Ensure all materials meet the performance expectations of performance apparel consumers

Resolve material quality issues in partnership with Product Development and Quality teams

Drive commercial and sustainable outcomes

Balance innovation with margin, speed-to-market and commercial objectives

Champion responsible material choices aligned to company sustainability goals

Increase the use of recycled, certified and lower-impact materials where commercially appropriate

Support improvements in supplier traceability and environmental performance

What you’ll bring

Significant experience in material development, textile technology, fabric sourcing or material innovation within outdoor, cycling, sportswear or technical apparel

Strong technical understanding of knit, woven, laminated and engineered fabrics

Knowledge of fibers, yarns, membranes, coatings, finishes and performance treatments

Experience working with global mills and supply chain partners, particularly across Asia

Strong commercial awareness and the ability to balance innovation with cost, margin and lead time considerations

Confidence interpreting fabric testing standards and performance data

Understanding of sustainability standards including bluesign®, OEKO-TEX®, GRS or equivalent

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

A proactive, curious and solutions-focused mindset

A degree in Textile Technology, Textile Engineering, Materials Science or a related discipline would be advantageous.

Hours: 36.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday (4:30pm finish on Fridays)

Reports to: VP Design