Manager, R&D, Knitwear

About rag & bone

From our origins in New York in 2002, rag & bone was founded on a belief of uncompromising ideals: a commitment to doing things the right way, not the easy way. To making things that are as original as they are timeless. To being true to ourselves, even when that truth sets us apart from the mainstream.

We continue to be guided by these principles today: the easy elegance of classic British tailoring, the authenticity of American workwear, and the originality of our home city, New York. As New Yorkers, community and authenticity are at the core of who we are. We foster an inclusive environment that empowers every individual to contribute, collaborate, and shape the future of the brand.

Job Summary
At Rag & Bone, product starts with fabric.
We are looking for a Knitwear R&D Manager to lead the research, development, and sourcing of materials across our women’s, men’s and outlet collections. This role sits at the intersection of design, innovation, and production— working closely with Design, Product Development and Production to build distinctive fabrics that define the character of our product, and reports into the Director of Knitwear Product Development.

You will be responsible for identifying new materials, developing proprietary fabric programs with mills, and ensuring fabrics meet our standards for quality, performance, and authenticity. The ideal candidate brings deep textile knowledge, strong mill relationships, and a sharp eye for materials that elevate modern knitwear.

Drive Fabric Innovation

• Lead the research and development of fabrics across Cut and Sew Knits.
• Support Sweaters Product Development team by identifying new yarns, constructions, finishes, and technologies that push our product forward.
• Develop exclusive fabric programs in partnership with global mills.
• Collaborate on seasonal fabric direction and innovation opportunities with design and merchandising teams.

Build and Manage Supplier Partnerships

• Maintain strong relationships with global textile mills and suppliers.
• Identify new mill partners that support innovation, quality, and cost targets.
• Manage development pricing, minimums, and lead times.

Execute Seasonal Development

• Manage fabric development across the seasonal calendar from concept through bulk approval.
• Review and approve lab dips, strike-offs, handlooms, and bulk fabric submissions.
• Maintain fabric tracking within PLM and ensure development milestones are met.

Partner Cross-Functionally

• Work closely with Design and Merchandising to translate creative direction into commercially viable fabrics.
• Support Product Development and Production to ensure fabrics meet manufacturing and performance requirements.

Ensure Quality and Performance

• Evaluate fabric durability, wash performance, stretch recovery, and colorfastness.
• Partner with testing and quality teams to ensure all fabrics meet internal standards and regulatory requirements.
• Troubleshoot fabric issues during development and production.

Drive Strategic Fabric Direction

• Maintain and evolve the seasonal fabric library and archive.
• Track emerging textile technologies, sustainable materials, and industry innovations.
• Contribute to long-term material strategies that support the growth of the business

Rules We Live By | Rules You Live By

• Be a Good Human – Be original, authentic, and inclusive
• Have No Fear – Innovate and push boundaries
• Own Every Decision – Collaborate and deliver results
• Quality Matters – In product and in people
• Make It Happen – Be disciplined, driven, and accountable

• Paid Time Off
• Clothing Allowance
• Generous Employee Discount
• Paid Parental Leave
• Commission Eligible
• Wellness benefits including Calm membership
• Medical, dental, vision, and ancillary benefits
• 401k

rag & bone is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer. No employee or applicant is discriminated against because of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.