Materials & Supplier Development Manager

Purpose

We are expanding our product development presence in Vietnam and are looking for a Regional Materials & Supplier Development Manager to help build and expand our network across the textile and materials industry.

This is not a traditional QA, laboratory, production, or purchasing role.

We are looking for someone who already knows the textile industry, has strong relationships with mills and suppliers, and is naturally driven to discover new materials, new technologies and new suppliers.

You will become our eyes and ears, connecting our Product teams with the best textile mills, material suppliers and emerging technologies.

The mission is simple: We are not looking for someone to evaluate the supply chain - we are looking for someone to continuously expand it.

Primary Responsibilities:

Build & Expand Supplier Network

● Develop and maintain relationships with leading textile mills and material suppliers.

● Proactively identify new mills, suppliers and material technologies (globally).

● Build relationships with suppliers that we do not currently know.

● Develop a pipeline of alternative and specialized suppliers.

● Regularly visit mills and suppliers throughout the region.

● Understand new capabilities, technologies and investments within the textile industry.

Discover New Materials & Technologies

● Continuously identify innovative fabrics, trims, coatings, laminations and other materials.

● Stay informed about developments in performance textiles.

● Attend textile exhibitions, sourcing fairs and industry events.

● Bring new materials, suppliers and opportunities to Product teams.

● Help stay ahead of developments in the global textile market.

Support Material Development

● Source fabrics and materials based on technical requirements.

● Request and coordinate samples and technical documentation.

● Compare alternative materials and suppliers.

● Review technical specifications and performance information.

● Coordinate material testing when required.

● Support the Product teams in evaluating potential materials.

Connect Suppliers with Product Teams

● Act as the local bridge between Product teams and suppliers.

● Coordinate sample requests and development activities.

● Follow up with suppliers and keep projects moving.

● Communicate supplier capabilities, opportunities and limitations.

● Resolve day-to-day development issues.

Build Textile Knowledge Base

● Maintain a structured database of suppliers, mills, materials and capabilities.

● Build and maintain a regional material library.

● Track new technologies and emerging suppliers.

● Document supplier relationships and development history.

Your focus is materials, suppliers, relationships and opportunities.

Requirements:

We are looking for someone who has spent significant time inside the textile supply chain and already has an established industry network.

Ideally, you have:

● 7+ years of relevant experience in textiles, materials, technical apparel, sportswear, outdoor products or a related field.

● Existing relationships with textile mills and material suppliers.

● Proven experience finding and developing new suppliers.

● Strong knowledge of performance fabrics.

● Experience with woven and/or knitted fabrics.

● Understanding of yarns, fabric construction, finishes, coatings and laminations.

● Experience visiting textile mills and suppliers.

● Experience attending textile exhibitions or sourcing events.

● Strong English communication skills.

● Excellent relationship-building and follow-up skills.

● Willingness to travel frequently, domestic and international.

Highly Desirable

● Experience with outdoor, tactical, military, sportswear or technical workwear products.

● Experience with performance and highly technical fabrics.

● Knowledge of flame-resistant and no-melt/no-drip materials.

● Experience working with internationally recognized brands or major OEMs.

● Strong network across Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Korea or other major global textile markets.

Benefits

● Competitive salary

● International and dynamic work environment

● Full company benefits and leave entitlements

● More benefits are open to negotiation