Senior Material Developer

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Job Title: Sr. Material Developer FLSA Status: Department: Asia Operations • CB Job Code: Reports To: Material Development Manager Superfamily: Location: Shenzhen, China Subfamily: Date Completed: Dec 2025 Level:

Your Job Map (the overall purpose of the job and how the job contributes to achieving department/company objectives) This job contributes to REI’s success by driving material development, production support, and sustainability initiatives as part of our Materials Team. The Sr. Materials Developer works closely with suppliers of fabrics, trims, and insulation, as well as HQ material teams, to ensure timely execution of material development and delivery of high-quality materials that meet REI Co-op Brands’ standards. This role also involves researching supplier capabilities to foster material innovation. In addition, the position collaborates on the business aspects of fabric selection for REI products, ensuring that materials align with aesthetic goals while meeting critical performance requirements. Models and acts in accordance with REI’s guiding values and mission. Your Planning & Navigating Requirements (the plans the job is responsible for creating and executing, and how the job ensures they are implemented) Innovation and Technical Expertise • Lead and oversee new projects and trials at vendor and factory locations, providing technical guidance to ensure

smooth execution and successful transfer to commercial applications. • Drive research and development initiatives to strengthen regional mill capabilities, supporting the Local-to-Local

strategy and redevelopment of materials aligned with long-term sourcing goals. • Attend material trade shows to explore mill capabilities and identify innovative material types. • Partner with HQ-led material innovation projects, delivering on-the-ground support for effective implementation. Collaboration and Development • Work closely with material design, development, trim development, and technical services teams to achieve

successful material commercialization and production. • Provide hands-on support to resolve production challenges, including on-site troubleshooting when necessary. • Conduct vendor performance reviews to ensure compliance with quality and delivery standards. • Build strategic partnerships with design and development teams to manage mill relationships and expectations. • Support sourcing efforts for new trims and materials within the region. • Collaborate with Asia-based sourcing teams to oversee vendor agreements and licenses, ensuring contractual

compliance. Sustainability • Act as the primary contact for Asia-based sustainability inquiries related to material development. • Manage Textile Exchange certifications and other sustainability requirements. • Partner with the Sustainability team to align material and trim development with long-term sustainability goals. • Stay current on regulations and industry standards for material sourcing and usage, ensuring compliance with

environmental guidelines. • Embed sustainability objectives into all aspects of material development and execution.

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2-Way Communication (the contacts needed inside and/or outside the Company to accomplish the job)

Contact Title Reason For Contact Frequency Material Development

Manager

Direct Report updates Daily

Raw Materials Suppliers

All aspects of material commercialization, production, delivery, quality, and price

Daily

Factory Partners

Ensuring that expectations of Suppliers by our Factory Partners are clear, consistent, and met.

Weekly

Material Design & Development Team

Collaborates on all materials searches, communicates results and makes suggestions for improvement criteria.

Daily

Material Production (Manager & Analyst)

Continual progress updates and goal discussions as well as strategy discussions and challenges.

Daily

Trim Developer Trim & materials compatibility Daily Sourcing Team

Gives and receives feedback regarding relationships, goals,

expectations, and ensures clear communication Daily

Research & Testing Partner(s)

Materials & product testing collaboration Weekly

Color Developers Materials color collaboration Weekly The 10+ Essentials (the minimum knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the job)

Required Preferred BS in Textile or related field; may be substitute with relevant experience X 6+ years’ work experience in textile manufacturing, development, or design X Comprehensive understanding of the textile manufacturing processes X Knowledge of appropriate textile testing methods, interpretation and application of results. X

Knowledge of high-performance textiles and the functional aspects of performance apparel. X Knowledge of Textile Exchange, SAC Higg Index, and material sustainability attributes X Working knowledge of global fabric sourcing trends and strategy X Knowledge and/or experience in apparel or equipment development processes from inspiration to production including the technical and manufacturing side of product development.

X

Familiar with the management of color, including lab dips X Working knowledge of textile chemistry and sustainable chemistry X Excellent verbal and written communication skills, demonstrating effective listening through concise, clear verbal and written communication. X

Understanding of the big picture and an aptitude for cross function team collaboration. X Actively participates and collaborates with others on one's own team and across REI for the achievement of business goals. X

Flexible in one's viewpoints and positions in order to support the direction taken by others at REI. X

Uses business knowledge, innovative thinking, and sound judgment in the solution of problems or the pursuit of business opportunities. X

Consolidates information from various sources including feedback from others to reach sound decisions. X

Considers the ultimate impact of decisions and actions on internal and external X

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customers. Works smart by setting effective work goals, establishing priorities, and planning well in order to produce quality work. X

Executes effectively by using resources efficiently, meeting deadlines, and keeping others informed of work plans and progress toward goals. X

Clearly conveys and accurately receives information by a variety of methods and in various situations. X

Builds rapport with all kinds of people inside and outside the organization. X

Acts upon opportunities and involves and influences others in the accomplishment of worthwhile organizational goals. X

Challenges the status quo, champions change and influences others to change. X

Physical Requirements Core physical requirements can be determined by reviewing a Physical Capacity Worksheet (available in the HR Benefits Department).