Manager, Men's Fabric R&D
New York, NY
Full Time
Manager/Supervisor
Manager, Men’s Fabric R&D
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 still believe in the same principles we started with: 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 have become synonymous with our brand. An inclusive environment at rag & bone upholds our original values by encouraging employee connection and empowering each individual to have a voice on policy, process and collaboration for a more equitable future.
At Rag & Bone, product starts with fabric.
We are looking for a Men’s Fabric R&D Manager to lead the research, development, and sourcing of materials across our men’s collections. This role sits at the intersection of design, innovation, and production—working closely with Design, Merchandising, and Product Development to build distinctive fabrics that define the character of our product.
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 menswear.
Responsibilities:
Drive Fabric Innovation
Rules we live by | Rules you live by
Be a Good Human | Be original, be authentic. Stand for diversity, equitability & inclusivity.
Have No Fear | Innovate and solve problems.
Own Every Decision | Work together and get results.
Quality Matters | Not only with product, but we see it in our people.
Make Shit Happen | Be disciplined, be competitive.
Benefits
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.
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 still believe in the same principles we started with: 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 have become synonymous with our brand. An inclusive environment at rag & bone upholds our original values by encouraging employee connection and empowering each individual to have a voice on policy, process and collaboration for a more equitable future.
At Rag & Bone, product starts with fabric.
We are looking for a Men’s Fabric R&D Manager to lead the research, development, and sourcing of materials across our men’s collections. This role sits at the intersection of design, innovation, and production—working closely with Design, Merchandising, and Product Development to build distinctive fabrics that define the character of our product.
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 menswear.
Responsibilities:
Drive Fabric Innovation
- Lead the research and development of fabrics across all men’s categories including denim, wovens, knits, tailoring, and outerwear.
- Identify new yarns, constructions, finishes, and technologies that push our product forward.
- Develop exclusive fabric programs in partnership with global mills.
- Present seasonal fabric direction and innovation opportunities to design and merchandising teams.
- Maintain strong relationships with global textile mills and suppliers.
- Identify new mill partners that support innovation, quality, and cost targets.
- Partner with sourcing teams on development pricing, minimums, and lead times.
- 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.
- Work closely with Design and Merchandising to translate creative direction into commercially viable fabrics.
- Collaborate with Product Development and Production to ensure fabrics meet manufacturing and performance requirements.
- Troubleshoot fabric issues during development and production.
- 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.
- 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 men’s business.
Requirements (skills, qualifications, education, etc)
- 5+ years’ experience in textile development, fabric R&D, or materials sourcing within premium apparel.
- Deep understanding of woven and knit fabric construction, finishing techniques, and textile performance.
- Strong understanding of the men’s market and men’s fabrics.
- Strong relationships with global fabric mills and suppliers.
- Experience managing seasonal development calendars and PLM systems.
- Ability to balance creative innovation with commercial and production realities.
- Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple developments simultaneously.
- Degree in Textiles, Textile Science, or Fashion preferred.
Rules we live by | Rules you live by
Be a Good Human | Be original, be authentic. Stand for diversity, equitability & inclusivity.
Have No Fear | Innovate and solve problems.
Own Every Decision | Work together and get results.
Quality Matters | Not only with product, but we see it in our people.
Make Shit Happen | Be disciplined, be competitive.
Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- Clothing Allowance
- Generous Employee Discount
- Paid Parental Leave
- Commission Eligible
- Membership to Calm and access to other wellness benefits
- 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.
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