Manager, Textile Materials Engineering

New Era Cap, LLC. is an international lifestyle brand headquartered in Buffalo, NY with an authentic sports heritage that dates back over 100 years. Best known for being the official on-field cap for MLB, official sideline cap for NFL, and official on-court cap for NBA, New Era Cap is the brand of choice not only for its headwear collection, but also for its accessories and apparel lines for men, women and youth. The brand is worn as a symbol of self-expression by athletes, artists and some of the most interesting people around the globe. New Era Cap encourages people to truly express their personal style and individuality through its products.

Since 1920, this family-owned business has hired employees who are masters of their craft. We are innovators, architects of culture, experts, and forward thinkers. We demand excellence because we pride ourselves on the quality of our products and the authenticity of our brand.

Interested in working with us? Check out this exciting opportunity at New Era Cap's Headquarters (HQ) building located in downtown Buffalo, NY. This role is 100% on-site, encouraging employees to collaborate and connect in person five days a week. HQ offers an inviting atmosphere, complete with an on-site cafe, fitness center, and Flagship store.

Apply to join New Era's team!

The Manager, Textile Materials Engineering will be responsible for leading the development, sourcing, and implementation of advanced performance textiles for product lines at New Era/'47. This role requires technical expertise in textile engineering, fiber and fabric innovations, and a strong understanding of performance-driven apparel. The Manager, Textile Materials Engineering will execute the bulk material production strategy for multiple categories (headwear, apparel and accessories) to align with the global sourcing strategy to meet our brand quality standards and turn ideas into great merchandise.

Key Responsibilities

• Material Innovation & Development
  • Lead research and development of advanced performance textiles, including moisture-wicking, stretch, thermal regulation, and durability enhancements
  • Work with fiber, yarn, and fabric suppliers to develop proprietary materials that align with brand and sustainability goals
  • Evaluate and implement new textile technologies, coatings, and finishes for enhanced performance
  • Provide technical fabric guidance and support to design, merchandising, product development and sourcing teams in support of the product development process
  • Evaluate fabric/material lab dips and bulk fabrics against color standards, provide comments to suppliers and internal teams
  • Lead the organization's change management initiatives, ensuring the successful adoption of new processes, technologies, and strategies
• Supplier & Sourcing Management
  • Identify, evaluate, and manage key material suppliers and manufacturing partners
  • Establish strong relationships with mills, dye houses, and finishers to ensure innovation, quality, and cost-effectiveness
  • Collaborate with sourcing and supply chain teams to integrate new materials into production efficiently
  • Provide quarterly vendor performance ratings related to fabric development, pricing, service level and production
  • Monitor mill sources to ensure consistent quality. Work with the quality team and current sources to correct all quality issues. Conduct regular visits and audits; maintain detailed records of all visits and correspondence
  • Request and maintain fabric testing from mills for all adopted fabrics. Address potential fabric issues prior to commitment (crocking, tensile, slippage, shrinkage, etc.)
• Performance Testing & Compliance
  • Define testing protocols and performance benchmarks for new materials
  • Work closely with quality assurance teams to ensure compliance with industry standards, certifications, and sustainability regulations
  • Monitor and optimize fabric performance through lab and field testing
  • Review all fabrics and materials utilized by New Era continually to ensure the current source of supply meets company standards
  • Collaborate with the quality team to develop fabric inspection process at each manufacturing location to ensure the fabrics received meet the expected quality and color standard
  • Review fabrics with the Sr. Managers (both Raw Materials and Global Sourcing) and Sr. Director of Global Sourcing and Production the seasonal category strategies surrounding new fabrics
  • Utilize the cost matrix during all sketch and proto reviews while collaborating with product development and sourcing to together direct design and merchandising on fabric selections and style development to meet category cost and margin goals
  • Work closely with planning team to minimize excess fabric inventory so resources can be better utilized for future growth
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with design, product development, and merchandising teams to align material innovations with seasonal product roadmaps
  • Provide technical guidance on material selection, performance benefits, and sustainability impacts
  • Train internal teams on advancements in textile materials and technologies
  • Work closely with the merchandising, category, production, and planning departments to provide timely fabric forecast to designated suppliers for bulk productions
  • Collaborate with merchandising, design and sourcing teams seasonally to ensure the right fabrics and color mix are in place to support product design and innovation
  • Collaborate with product development and global sourcing to communicate with merchandising, planning, and production key fabric information regarding initial cost, production lead times and production minimums for adopted styles
  • Collaborate with product development, global sourcing, merchandising, design, and regional offices to evaluate and execute fabric development briefs
  • Collaborate with global sourcing to manage sampling time in accordance with Time and Action calendar dates to meet all key milestones
• Keep all sensitive matters confidential
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Behaviors

• Deep knowledge of fiber science, yarn and fabric construction, finishing techniques, and textile performance properties
• Experience working with global suppliers, mills, and R&D teams to develop and commercialize new textile innovations
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to lead multiple material development projects from concept to production
• Understanding of sustainability trends, including recycled materials, biodegradable fabrics, and eco-friendly dyeing and finishing processes
• Familiarity with textile testing methods (ASTM, AATCC, ISO) and regulatory compliance
• Proven ability to analyze information, make decisions, and recommend actions to drive business results
• Understand the importance of this position and the role it plays and can bring improvements to the bottom line through price reductions of goods and services
• Demonstrates experience negotiating and achieving cost savings, margin improvements, and lead-time reductions
• Experience and past success working cross-functionally and building strategic working relationships
• Strong time-management skills; ability to organize, prioritize multiple projects and adhere to multiple deadlines
• High level of attention to detail, with the ability to anticipate challenges and proactively solve them
• Excellent communication and leadership skills to manage cross-functional teams and external partnerships
• A positive attitude, high level of energy, clear sense of urgency and direction

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering, Materials Science or related field required; Master's degree preferred
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in textile development, engineering, or advanced materials within the performance apparel industry
• Achieves "Superior" level on Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue test (to be administered during interview process)
• Working knowledge of PLM/ERP/MRP systems, quality and supplier management
• Proficient in Microsoft Office-Word, Excel, Power Point, web-based applications required; SAP experience preferred

Travel Requirement

• The location for this position is 100% on-site in Buffalo, NY
• Up to 25%; domestic and/or global

New Era Cap, LLC is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer that believes in inclusion and does not discriminate against any candidate or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, genetics, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.

The salary range for this posted position is $75,000 - $100,000 (plus bonus & benefits) and pertains to candidates located in Western New York. Actual compensation will fall within this range and is determined by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, education, essential job duties and requirements, and necessary experience.

Our casual work environment celebrates individuality and encourages employees to showcase their personal style. We pride ourselves on offering competitive compensation, a generous PTO policy, along with world-class benefits designed to promote health, financial stability, and personal growth.

As an employee, you'll enjoy a range of perks, including paid parking, exclusive discounts on apparel and headwear, and professional development opportunities right here on-site. We can't wait for you to experience all that our dynamic workplace has to offer!

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