Raw Materials Developer

As the Raw Materials Developer, you will play a critical role in driving material innovation, optimizing performance, and ensuring best-in-class quality for our premium active swimwear and lifestyle products. You will own the end-to-end development of fabrics, trims, and finishes, working closely with mills, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to bring high-performance materials to life while optimizing quality, cost, and lead time.


Key Responsibilities:

1. Raw Material Development & Innovation

  • Research, develop, and validate best-in-class fabrics, trims and packaging for swimwear, activewear and lifestyle, focusing on performance, durability, stretch, and hand feel.

  • Source and evaluate new fabrics,  finishes, trims and packaging solutions staying ahead of industry innovations.

  • Partner with mills and suppliers to ensure materials meet brand standards for quality, sustainability, and performance.

2. Testing & Quality Assurance

  • Develop and maintain raw material testing protocols for performance, stretch recovery, colorfastness, and durability.

  • Partner with third-party testing labs to ensure compliance with brand standards and industry regulations.

  • Analyze test data and resolve material issues before bulk production.

3. Supplier Management & Collaboration

  • Build strong relationships with fabric mills, trim suppliers, and global vendors to ensure seamless material development and sourcing.

  • Negotiate MOQs, costs, and lead times to align with business needs and margin targets.

  • Oversee material commercialization and pre-production approvals to ensure readiness for bulk orders.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with Design, Product Development, and Production teams to align material choices with aesthetic, functional, and sustainability goals.

  • Partner with Sourcing and Supply Chain to ensure efficient, cost-effective material planning.

  • Collaborate with Technical Design and Production to solve material-related fit, construction, or performance challenges.


Qualifications & Skills:

  • 5+ years of experience in Raw Material Development, Fabric R&D, or Textile Innovation, ideally in swimwear, activewear, or performance apparel.

  • Strong technical knowledge of knits, stretch fabrics, trims, and sustainable material innovations.

  • Deep understanding of fabric testing, quality standards, and material performance.

  • Experience working with global suppliers, mills, and third-party testing labs.

  • Ability to balance aesthetic, performance, cost, and lead time considerations.

  • Excellent problem-solving skills, with a solution-oriented, proactive approach.

  • Strong project management and organizational skills—you thrive in fast-paced, high-growth environments.

  • Passion for sustainability and material innovation, with an interest in eco-friendly and responsible sourcing.


Location: Left On Friday - Victoria
Reports To: Commercialization Manager
Full-time (Monday to Friday)
Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 CAD


Submit your application here. Applications close November 30, 2025.


 

Designed in Canada

Designed in Canada