The FILA brand was founded in 1911 in Italy with a bold vision and strong point of view inspired by its surroundings. The vision was to create clothing that felt as natural to the wearer as their own skin. The FILA brothers drew their inspiration from art and fabrics and combined them in such a way that effused grace and vigor. That vision can still be felt today: FILA seeks out athletes and figures who represent grace, individuality, and a disruption to the status quo. Transcending race, gender, and class, the brand makes its mark wherever performance-minded individuals can be found. FILA has collaborated with sports figures such as Grant Hill, one of basketball’s most iconic players, to both design a collection of footwear that serves the modern athlete and to build communities. FILA and Hill partnered to revitalize a set of basketball courts in Durham, N.C. to provide a safe space for local youth to play and grow, with more plans to expand the program to other cities. FILA’s designers are committed to the founders’ vision and are constantly trying to move the needle in the world of athletic fashion by absorbing art and culture as it happens around them. The brand strives to be intentional in everything it does, and to do so with integrity.

As the FILA Material Development Manager, You will own the creation of materials across all the Footwear
categories that align with the needs of each category according to price, performance, physical properties,
source and aesthetic. You will create and maintain all the tools needed including the material library,
toolbox and material boards. You will ensure quality standards across all fila materials and be the point
person within the x-functional team for all material related questions. This position will have a strong
focus on material innovation and sustainability.

Main Responsibilities

• Define the material process and manage the cross functional team to stay on time with deadlines.
• Work closely with the sourcing material team and onboard them with the new process.
• Create material specifications using direct input from the Product Creation teams
• Submit material specifications to the Source Office material partners for sampling
• Create and maintain the physical material library including a material database. 
• Ensure the maintenance of relevant material information in the PLM system.
• Create working tools for cross-functional teams (boards, display areas, material rings etc.).
• Define quality standards. 
• Lead all cross-functional discussions related to materials. 
• Work material suppliers to ensure fila quality standards across toolbox. 
• Ensure all material developments are monitored from brief all the way through the commercialization process. 
• Cooperate with a cross-functional team to create a focused material toolbox and coach the cross-functional team on how to improve material efficiencies.
• Drive R&D in compounds, synthetics, leathers,meshe and construction innovation. 
• Identify and present innovation opportunities to the cross-functional team. 
• Initiate innovation projects with the product development team to ensure successful technical implementation. 
• Provide latest industry material trends and innovations to cross functional teams by gathering information from fairs, supplier meetings and material shows.

• Bachelor's degree in Footwear Materials, Compounds or a related field
• Experience in material Innovation and sustainability. 
• Strong understanding of material  formation such as tanning, chemical make up, weaving, wet and dry synthetic, and  finishing
• Knowledge of material types: Synthetic, Compounds, Leather, Mesh and Reinforcements
• Attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple priorities
• Able to negotiate and influence with sensitivity for the creative process
• Understanding of the product creation process
• Experience with vendor negotiation, materials or related development projects is preferred
• Ability to travel.
• Experience in creating new process

 Related Degree

• Related degree
• 10 plus years’ experience 

Annual Salary Range

• $110,000-115,000

*At FILA USA, actual compensation within that range will be dependent upon the individual’s skills, experience, and qualifications.