Material/Fabric Development Manager Apparel (m/w/d)

Engineered in Germany, Proven in the Wild

Jack Wolfskin is an internationally renowned outdoor brand and part of the ANTA Sports Group, one of the world’s leading sporting goods companies. As one of the top providers of high-quality outdoor apparel, footwear, and equipment in Europe and China, Jack Wolfskin stands for innovation, functionality, and sustainability. With a strong network of owned stores and franchise partners, the company is also one of the largest franchisors in Germany's sporting goods retail sector.

We’re looking for people with a spirit of adventure - free thinkers who blaze their own trail and explore the wild with passion together with a strong team that lives and breathes the outdoors. Sound like you? Then welcome to the Wild Ones.

We are looking for you to join our team in the Development Apparel, EQT, & Material Department at our headquarters in Idstein as a Material/Fabric Development Manager Apparel (f/m/d) as soon as possible.

Our company headquarters will relocate to Eschborn towards the end of 2026, and your primary workplace will transition to Eschborn accordingly.

Material Development

• Source and develop materials, with a focus on knits and insulation materials for our apparel collections, in line with the seasonal development calendar
• Translate design and product briefs into technical material specifications regarding performance, hand feel, appearance, and target cost
• Manage fabric development with mills, from initial briefing through to bulk production approval
• Build and continuously maintain the apparel section of the material library and core material platform

Innovation

• Scout new fabric technologies, constructions, and finishes at mills, industry trade fairs such as ISPO and Performance Days, and across the market
• Drive innovation projects from initial trials through to commercial adoption in collaboration with the Team Lead Material Management
• Present new material concepts and innovations to Design and Product Management teams

Testing & Quality

• Define test requirements and evaluate laboratory results for physical and functional properties, including waterproofness, breathability, abrasion resistance, colour fastness, and pilling
• Resolve material-related issues during development and bulk production stages in close cooperation with Quality and suppliers
• Ensure materials meet applicable chemical and product compliance requirements, including PFAS-free requirements, REACH, bluesign®, and OEKO-TEX®

Supplier & Cost Management

• Work closely with textile mills and regional offices in China and Vietnam on pricing, minimum order quantities (MOQs), lead times, and capacity planning
• Support material nominations and cost negotiations

Sustainability

• Increase the share of recycled, bio-based, and certified materials across the apparel range
• Maintain accurate material data and comprehensive documentation, including certificates and supply-chain traceability records

Qualifications & Experience

• Completed degree in textile engineering, textile technology, or a comparable field, or an equivalent professional qualification or relevant practical experience
• Substantial and proven experience in fabric or material development within outdoor, sports, or performance apparel
• Sound technical knowledge of fibres, yarns, fabric constructions, dyeing, finishing, coating, and lamination processes
• Practical experience collaborating directly with textile mills in Asia and managing material development from initial briefing through to bulk production
• Thorough understanding of textile testing methods, laboratory analysis, and chemical compliance requirements
• Familiarity with sustainable textile concepts, relevant environmental certifications, and circularity initiatives
• Confidence working within international and cross-functional teams
• Professional working proficiency in English; additional German, Mandarin, or Vietnamese language skills are an advantage
• Willingness to travel for business to textile mills, regional offices, and industry trade fairs

What Sets You Apart

• A strong affinity for textiles, material performance, and new market innovations
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Strong communication skills, particularly the ability to explain complex technical topics clearly to Design, Product Management, Buying, and Sourcing teams
• Passion for performance apparel and a clear understanding of functional product requirements in demanding environments

Then become part of our team! We look forward to receiving your application – exclusively via our online career portal – including your CV and your earliest possible start date.