Materials Developer

Help shape the future of Gymshark materials

At Gymshark, great products start with great materials. We're looking for a knowledgeable and detail-oriented Materials Developer to support the end-to-end development of woven materials, from initial concept through to bulk production.

This role is critical in ensuring our materials meet the highest standards of performance, quality, innovation, and sustainability while supporting the successful delivery of our seasonal product collections. You'll work closely with Product Development, Design, Colour, and Sourcing teams, as well as external mills and suppliers, to develop materials that help bring world-class products to life.

As a Materials Developer, you'll play a key role in delivering materials that meet both technical and commercial requirements, ensuring development milestones are achieved on time and to the highest standard.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and industrialising new woven materials across multiple product categories.
• Ensuring material development activities are completed in line with seasonal calendar deadlines.
• Collaborating closely with Product Development, Design, Colour, and Sourcing teams to align on performance, aesthetic, and production requirements.
• Partnering with mills and suppliers to develop innovative, high-performance, and sustainable materials from concept through to industrialisation.
• Supporting material quality and performance validation through laboratory testing and compliance assessments.
• Contributing to supplier performance reviews and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
• Integrating sustainability considerations into material development to help reduce environmental impact and enhance product sustainability.
• Maintaining accurate technical documentation, including material specifications, test reports, and sustainability records.
• Managing and updating physical and digital material libraries.
• Identifying opportunities to improve quality, performance, sustainability, and cost efficiency throughout the development process.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Minimum of 3 years' experience in material development.
• Strong technical knowledge of material and fabric technology, including spinning, weaving, dyeing, finishing, and washing processes.
• Good understanding of garment technology and construction.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory testing and commercial fabric testing standards.
• Experience working with suppliers and mills throughout the material development lifecycle.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to review supplier performance data and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Strong understanding of sustainable practices within material production and product development.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate and resolve material-related issues.
• High attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and PLM or similar product lifecycle management systems.
• Ability and willingness to travel when required.

Preferred

• Understanding of the activewear, sportswear, fitness, or fashion markets and emerging industry trends.