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Raw Materials Developer
Raw Materials DeveloperLeft On Friday • Los Angeles, CA, US
Raw Materials Developer

Raw Materials Developer

Left On Friday • Los Angeles, CA, US
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As the Raw Materials Developer, you will play a critical role in driving material innovation, optimizing performance, and ensuring best-in-class quality for our premium active swimwear and lifestyle products. You will own the end-to-end development of fabrics, trims, and finishes, working closely with mills, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to bring high-performance materials to life while optimizing quality, cost, and lead time.

Key Responsibilities

  • Research, develop, and validate best-in-class fabrics, trims and packaging for swimwear, activewear and lifestyle, focusing on performance, durability, stretch, and hand feel.
  • Source and evaluate new fabrics, finishes, trims and packaging solutions staying ahead of industry innovations.
  • Partner with mills and suppliers to ensure materials meet brand standards for quality, sustainability, and performance.

Testing & Quality Assurance

  • Develop and maintain raw material testing protocols for performance, stretch recovery, colorfastness, and durability.
  • Partner with third-party testing labs to ensure compliance with brand standards and industry regulations.
  • Analyze test data and resolve material issues before bulk production.
  • Build strong relationships with fabric mills, trim suppliers, and global vendors to ensure seamless material development and sourcing.
  • Negotiate MOQs, costs, and lead times to align with business needs and margin targets.
  • Oversee material commercialization and pre-production approvals to ensure readiness for bulk orders.

    • Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with Design, Product Development, and Production teams to align material choices with aesthetic, functional, and sustainability goals.
  • Partner with Sourcing and Supply Chain to ensure efficient, cost-effective material planning.
  • Collaborate with Technical Design and Production to solve material-related fit, construction, or performance challenges.

    • Qualifications & Skills

  • 5+ years of experience in Raw Material Development, Fabric R&D, or Textile Innovation, ideally in swimwear, activewear, or performance apparel.
  • Strong technical knowledge of knits, stretch fabrics, trims, and sustainable material innovations.
  • Deep understanding of fabric testing, quality standards, and material performance.
  • Experience working with global suppliers, mills, and third-party testing labs.
  • Ability to balance aesthetic, performance, cost, and lead time considerations.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, with a solution-oriented, proactive approach.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills—you thrive in fast-paced, high-growth environments.
  • Passion for sustainability and material innovation, with an interest in eco-friendly and responsible sourcing.

    • Location : Left On Friday - Victoria

    Reports To : Commercialization Manager

    Salary Range : $70,000 - $90,000 CAD

    Seniority level

  • Mid-Senior level

    • Employment type

  • Full-time

    • Job function

  • Engineering and Information Technology
  • Industries : Retail Apparel and Fashion

    • J-18808-Ljbffr

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    Material Developer • Los Angeles, CA, US