icebreaker is looking for an exceptional Global Materials & Trims Manager to join our team based in Stabio, Switzerland.
Driven by the belief that nature has the answers, we provide natural performance alternatives to synthetic-based apparel, to create a healthier and more sustainable future for our species and the planet. We're passionate about connecting people to natural alternatives.
Let’s Talk about the Role
As Global Materials & Trims Manager for icebreaker you will lead the seasonal development of functional and innovative natural performance materials and trims, ensuring alignment with the brand strategy, global business needs, sourcing capabilities and quality standards.
You will drive development critical paths and collaborate with the Product, GSM and ASO teams to ensure delivery of commercialised materials and trims within seasonal GTM timelines.
A key stakeholder in the product creation team, you will support and enable the Global Product Leadership Team’s strategic vision overseeing rigorous lab and wear testing protocols to ensure all materials meet VF performance, quality, compliance, and safety standards. You will also ensure traceability and quality assurance by partnering with supply chain teams to uphold best practices in material provenance and ethical sourcing, while supporting the Brand Marketing team with technical descriptions and product data.
How You Will Make a Difference
Leadership & Oversight: Lead the development of materials and trims with technical authority and insight. Implement guidelines and processes to ensure the successful delivery of raw materials and trims to support icebreaker’s strategic and commercial objectives. Support the personal development of the Materials and Trims Developer, through coaching and by providing opportunities for growth with a focus on continuous improvement, knowledge & expertise. Foster a high-performance, collaborative team culture.
End-to-End Product Excellence: Take ownership of new material and trim procurement and development ensuring they are the best they can be. Translate seasonal briefs into commercially viable and technically proven materials and trims that align with the brand’s quality, performance, and sustainability expectations. Oversee commercial development implementing robust lab and wear testing programs to ensure full adherence to VF standards for performance, quality, sustainability, compliance, and safety. Coordinate with suppliers, testing facilities, maintain accurate documentation, and support certification needs.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the operational interface between internal departments (Innovation, Design, Product Development, Merchandising, Supply Planning) and external stakeholders (GSM, ASO, Suppliers & Quality Control). Facilitate transparent communication and collaboration ensuring synergy with product strategies, timelines, and quality benchmarks. Define critical paths to ensure cross functional alignment on desired outcome, proofing, testing and commercialisation of new materials & trims. Use agile methodologies to coordinate tasks, mitigate risks, and drive developments forward always striving for the highest standard in execution.
Process Optimisation & Best Practices: Manage the library of approved yarns, materials and trims to achieve brand specific, strategic and commercial objectives. In partnership with GMS, identify and implement cross brand synergies to optimise material costs, MOQs and vendor potential. Work with the product teams in risk assessment and testing to facilitate quality assurance. Assist the VF quality and operations teams ensuring issues are identified and resolved in a timely manner with best outcome. (QC post bulk related). Support the VF Product Stewardship team in adhering to guidelines on VF restricted substances, Chem IQ, and the fulfilment of specific requirements related to compliance by country and region.
Stakeholder Management: Develop and maintain strong relationships with sourcing partners and external vendors. Partner with key stakeholders to align on technology and innovation storytelling. Support the Brand Marketing teams providing clear descriptions and technical data to be used in product callouts and consumer-facing content.
Reporting & Strategic Input: Report to the Global Product Director, providing regular updates on progress of raw material and trim developments. Report and issue escalation of quality and compliance activities (QC post bulk related). Deliver seasonal sustainability and performance testing reports for icebreaker raw materials and trims. Uphold standards in traceability, provenance, and ethical sourcing across all materials. Work with sourcing partners and internal stakeholders to drive best practices and material accountability.
Skills for Success
Vision: A forward-thinking mindset to anticipate industry and consumer trends, technological and sustainability advancements related to natural materials for outdoor performance apparel. An innovative approach to the creation of materials and trims which align with brand strategy
Values: Embody and promote a commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing and high-quality performance in all aspects of material and trim development. Demonstrated ability in building durable, purpose-led products.
Expertise: Extensive knowledge in material development, textile engineering, procurement and testing to meet quality and sustainability standards for commercial products. Ability to interpret technical data and market trends and apply advanced analytical skills in material evaluation. Experience in policy and process management.
Collaboration: Strong team orientation and proven ability to foster solid, collaborative relationships across diverse organisations and external partners, ensuring seamless execution and integration of material and trim developments into the product creation process. Demonstrated experience in vendor management.
Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to facilitate effective collaboration and negotiation between internal and external stakeholders. Ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly across all levels of the business.
Agility: Exceptional project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, set critical timelines to translate ideas from concept through commercialisation and ensure on-time delivery. Flexibility to work and travel in an international context across regions and associated time zones, at times requiring meeting attendance early mornings or evenings.
Professionalism: Demonstrate exceptional time management, strong organisational skills, high standards of integrity, accountability and conduct. Foster an inclusive culture of excellence and respect within the team and across all stakeholder relationships. Manage conflict and challenges with an objective and calm approach.
Leadership: Track record of successfully managing people with the ability to engage & inspire, drive process improvements, and build strategic relationships with both internal stakeholders and external partners.
Education & Experience
A University Bachelor or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Textiles, Product Engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience a related field is required. Advanced certifications or training in sustainability, materials testing, or project management are a plus.
High level of computer literacy and an affinity for technology; proficient in Microsoft Office with a good understanding of PLM (Flex, Enovia) solutions. Track record in managing material and trim development projects, sustainable sourcing, and quality assurance. Familiarity with emerging material technologies and innovation processes is essential.
5-7 years of experience in materials and trims development, procurement, and testing within the apparel, outdoor performance, or related industries, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
What’s in it For You
We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package.
A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do
An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together
Be part of an iconic lifestyle brand in a multi brand, multi countries organization
On site gym offering health and well-being initiatives
A discount card with 50% on all VF brands
Break out areas offering complimentary hot drinks
About VF
VF is a global apparel company connecting people to the lifestyles they cherish through our family of iconic brands. At the heart of our journey lies our purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It’s the reason we come to work every day. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling. Learn more at vfc.com
Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity
As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.
If you like what you have read and want to join our team then we would like to hear from you!
R-20250626-0015
