Director of Material Sourcing and R&D - Beyond Yoga

Job title: Director of Material Sourcing and R&D - Beyond Yoga

About the Role

We are seeking a Director of Material Sourcing and R&D for Beyond Yoga, to lead end-to-end strategy and sustainable development of fabrics and trims, aligned to the long-range plan and seasonal priorities. You will define and operationalize the raw material sourcing strategy, drive innovation with key mill partners, and onboard new suppliers in partnership with Sourcing. You will ensure materials are market-ready with brand-right aesthetics, performance, and quality at scale, and oversee the development of a comprehensive material portfolio and library.

What You'll Do

• Develop materials and bring forward material innovations to bring proprietary fabrics to market for Beyond Yoga.
• Lead the Beyond Yoga Material Sustainability strategy integrated with LS&Co. corporate sustainability goals and teams; ensure testing, performance certifications are in place at BY.
• Manage sustainability plans related to material development, ensuring sustainable manufacturing practices are followed and inherent in materials.
• Create material library, material spec sheets, test results, and lab dip/color approvals.
• Work with Design and Merchandising on material development based on LRP, strategic product strategy and design direction.
• Ensure all materials are ready to go to market including testing, performance claims, and sustainability.
• Collaborate with Production to troubleshoot issues with suppliers during sampling and production.
• Lead and provide updates to partner teams on new fabric and color inquiries, seasonal color palette, and all costing.
• Manage sample yardage status such as cotton traceability and pattern copyright protocols with mills/factories.
• Provide detailed and accurate information on fabrications, colors, and cost.
• Operate with working knowledge of the Product Development timeline and partners (PD teams, Design, Merchandising).
• Understand costing implications as they relate to product development, material briefs, and cost/IMU targets.
• Meet innovation goals, Global Sourcing Strategies, cost, quality, safety, and Sustainability requirements during product development.

What We're Looking For

• 10+ years' experience in Material R&D and product development, including in-depth knowledge of R&D, textile technology, development, sourcing and testing, and material quality requirements.
• Advanced education in Textile Technology and understanding of performance and technical materials within a Performance/Active brand space.
• Ability to influence and lead change management within the team, across partners and leadership.
• Set, schedule, and achieve all seasonal product development deadlines and ensure the team is tracking against milestones.
• Stay informed about industry trends, competitor products, and customer preferences to promote product improvement.
• Solid fabric construction knowledge across specialized areas (e.g., woven, knit, yarn, trim) and clear understanding of dyeing, printing and finishing techniques.
• Develop and implement process improvements; strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to work and communicate directly with senior-level directors.
• This role is hybrid, based in Culver City, CA and requires in-office presence 3 days per week (Tue-Thu).

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $160,000 - $200,000 per year. Levi Strauss & Co. offers a total rewards package that includes base pay and incentive plans.
• Location: Culver City, CA (Hybrid work schedule).