Sr. Director, Material & Innovation

Sr. Director, Material & Innovation

Duluth Trading Company

We are looking for an experienced product and textile innovator who is passionate about creating products our customers love. This role is based at our Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin headquarters and will work directly with design, development, and international suppliers to build best‑in‑class, solution‑driven products for all Duluth Trading Company brands.

You will lead the product innovation process, driving material validation from initial textile and trim concepts to final specifications for commercialization. You will execute new materials (trim/fabric) to align with sourcing and sustainability strategies, supply‑chain timelines, quality, price, and functionality. You will operate in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment and roll out products that advance the company’s vision and strategy.

• Oversee material and R&D staff at Duluth Trading Co. international office and headquarters.
• Build and maintain a forward‑looking innovation strategy that anticipates consumer needs, trend changes, and new technology developments.
• Leverage industry contacts to identify potential new suppliers, maximize innovation, speed to market, and negotiate favorable agreements.
• Support the Product Design Team in developing the next innovative product while balancing innovation, sustainability, price, and quality standards.
• Apply technical expertise to inspire R&D and aid in the creation of new innovative materials, ideas, and products.
• Attend trade shows as appropriate to gain perspective on textile innovation and trends; present quarterly to cross‑functional partners on emerging trends and technologies.
• Work downstream with raw material suppliers on cost, minimum order quantities, and lead‑time negotiations to ensure new developments are viable before adoption.
• Identify and cost engineer new textiles to meet design value proposition; partner with legal experts to secure proper patent agreements.
• Collaborate with supply‑chain partners to develop materials in appropriate markets, maximizing supply‑chain flow.
• Analyze fabric needs across the brand and recommend leveraging qualities across divisions.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure an efficient supply chain supporting delivery needs.

Qualified individuals must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Development, Marketing, Merchandising, or related field, or its equivalent in education and/or professional experience. The following additional qualifications are required:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in merchandising and product development.
• 8 years of experience in product development and raw material sourcing in Asia.
• 2 years of experience overseeing and managing a global organization across the US and Asia.
• 5 years of experience with dyeing, printing, and finishing processes for textile products.
• 6 years of experience with raw material properties & testing.
• 5 years of experience with the cost structure for yarn and fabric production across knits, woven, and trims, and in cost negotiation.
• 2 years of experience with performance claims, patent, and sustainability attributes.
• 2 years of experience with the core program replenishment, forecasting, raw material platform, annual costing, and lead‑time planning.
• Fluency in Cantonese and Mandarin.
• Domestic and international travel required – 15%.

Founded in 1989, Duluth Trading Company empowers hard‑working individuals to tackle life with their own hands. From ingenious workwear to comfortable underwear and outdoor gear, we create innovative gear and gadgets that equip customers for a hands‑on lifestyle. Our commitment to top‑notch quality, immersive storytelling, outstanding customer service, and a go‑all‑in mindset sets us apart. We seek talented people who share these values and are excited to push the Duluth legacy forward with a digital‑first mindset.