Materials Developer

The Materials Developer is responsible for leading the strategic development, commercialization, and production readiness of trims and labels across assigned apparel categories. This role serves as the primary technical owner for its material portfolio, translating design intent into commercially viable solutions that meet Ariat's standards for quality, performance, cost, aesthetics, sustainability, compliance, and scalability. Working with a high degree of independence, the Materials Developer drives the end-to-end development process from concept through SMS and production readiness. This individual is accountable for establishing clear technical requirements, managing supplier execution and performance, resolving complex development challenges, and proactively identifying risks that could impact product quality, calendar timelines, or commercialization. The role serves as the subject matter expert for trims and labels within assigned categories and is expected to influence cross-functional decisions, drive continuous improvement, and strengthen supplier capabilities. The Materials Developer partners closely with Design, Product Development, Sourcing, Production, Quality, Product Integrity, and external suppliers to deliver innovative, high-quality, and commercially successful material solutions. You’ll Make a Difference By Independently leading the end-to-end seasonal development and commercialization of trims and labels for assigned product categories, including all Apparel Tops and Bottoms Sundries. Translating design intent into clear, manufacturable technical specifications while balancing aesthetics, functionality, quality, cost, sustainability, compliance, and production feasibility. Proactively identifying technical, quality, manufacturing, and calendar risks during development and independently developing solutions or recommendations to mitigate potential impacts. Evaluating and recommending appropriate trim and label constructions, materials, finishes, colors, and technologies to support product performance and design objectives. Serving as the technical subject matter expert for assigned trims and labels, providing guidance and recommendations to cross-functional partners and suppliers. Reviewing and approving trim and label color submissions against established color standards and aesthetic requirements. Assessing color accuracy through visual evaluation and providing clear direction to suppliers to troubleshoot and resolve any color-related issues. Ensuring all commercialized trims and labels are fully approved, documented, and production-ready within required calendar deadlines. Establishing and communicating material testing requirements based on product use, material construction, regulatory requirements, and company standards. Ensuring Youth trims and labels are identified early in the development process and that applicable CPSIA and other required compliance testing are completed and approved before commercialization. Coordinating and monitoring material testing to ensure compliance with Ariat quality, performance, regulatory, and industry standards. Evaluating test failures and quality issues, determine appropriate next steps, and partnering with suppliers and internal stakeholders to drive root‑cause analysis and corrective action. Analyzing supplier performance and quality trends and proactively addressing recurring issues to improve development execution and material reliability. Maintaining ownership of trim, label, color, testing, and approval data within PLM, ensuring information is accurate, complete, and updated within required timelines. Leveraging PLM reporting and data analytics to identify development risks, recurring issues, approval bottlenecks, and opportunities for process improvement. Recommending and supporting improvements to PLM data structure, reporting, workflows, and approval processes to improve efficiency and visibility across the product creation process. Serving as a key technical partner to Design, Product Development, Sourcing, Production, Quality Assurance, Product Integrity, and factories throughout the material development and commercialization process. Maintaining an organized and current trims and labels library and cataloging to support material knowledge sharing, future development, and team reference. Assisting with other responsibilities based on business needs.

4–7 years of experience in the apparel industry. Hands‑on experience approving lab dips and evaluating color accuracy. Strong organizational skills and ability to utilize systems and tracking tools effectively. Strong communication skills with clear and concise follow‑through. Effective time management and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Critical thinker with analytical, problem‑solving, and adaptable mindset. Experience with Centric PLM, Microsoft Office, and Excel. Understanding of the end‑to‑end design and development process. Basic knowledge of textile properties, including dyeing, finishing, and fabric performance. About Ariat Ariat is an innovative, outdoor global brand with roots in equestrian performance. We develop high‑quality footwear and apparel for people who ride, work, and play outdoors, and care about performance, quality, comfort, and style. The salary range for this position is $76,000 - $95,000 per year. The salary is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data for geographic locations. Ariat in good faith believes that this posted compensation range is accurate for this role at this location at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future. Ariat’s holistic benefits package for full‑time team members includes (but is not limited to): Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options Expanded wellness and mental health benefits Paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and paid volunteer days 401(k) with company match Team member discount on Ariat merchandise