Job Description

About the Role

The Materials Developer is responsible for leading the end-to-end development, commercialization, and quality assurance of trims, and labels for assigned product categories. This role acts as the primary technical owner for all material details, driving supplier performance, and ensuring all components meet the company's quality, cost, and sustainability targets with minimal supervision. The Developer proactively analyzes development bottlenecks, introduces process improvements, and serves as the internal technical expert for their material portfolio.

You’ll Make a Difference By

Development Ownership

• Independently managing seasonal trim and label development for assigned categories. (All TOPS Apparel and BOTTOMS Sundries)
• Translating design intent into manufacturable specifications and proactively identify technical risks.
• Communicating timelines and requirements directly with suppliers to ensure on-time execution.
• Troubleshooting development issues impacting SMS and production, providing solutions to cross-functional partners.

Technical Expertise & Quality

• Reviewing and approving lab dips and submits based on color standards, tolerances, and performance requirements.
• Coordinating all material testing and ensuring compliance with company and industry standards.
• Evaluating supplier performance data and supporting continuous quality improvement with key vendors.

Data Management & Process Improvement

• Maintaining accurate material and color data in Centric PLM; ensuring all commercialized materials are production-ready.
• Using PLM reporting to forecast calendar risks and development delays.
• Recommending improvements to processes, approval flow, and PLM data structure to increase efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serving as the technical contact for suppliers, factories, Design, Production, Sourcing, and QA.
• Maintaining an organized trims and labels catalog in the material library for team reference.
• Other duties as assigned.

About You

• BA/BS in Apparel Design, Textiles, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in the apparel industry.
• Understanding of the end-to-end design and development process.
• Basic knowledge of textile properties, including dyeing, finishing, and fabric performance.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to utilize systems and tracking tools effectively.
• Strong communication skills with clear and concise follow-through.
• Effective time management and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Critical thinker with analytical, problem-solving, and adaptable mindset.
• Experience with Centric PLM, Microsoft Office, and Excel.

About Ariat

Ariat is an innovative, outdoor global brand with roots in equestrian performance. We develop high-quality footwear and apparel for people who ride, work, and play outdoors, and care about performance, quality, comfort, and style.

The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000 per year.

The salary is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data for geographic locations. Ariat in good faith believes that this posted compensation range is accurate for this role at this location at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future.

Ariat’s holistic benefits package for full-time team members includes (but is not limited to):

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options
• Expanded wellness and mental health benefits
• Paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and paid volunteer days
• 401(k) with company match
• Bonus incentive plans
• Team member discount on Ariat merchandise

Note: Availability of benefits may be subject to location & employment type and may have certain eligibility requirements. Ariat reserves the right to alter these benefits in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.

Ariat will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws. Ariat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics or any other basis protected under federal, state, or local law. Ariat is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to candidates with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the application process, email human.resources@ariat.com.

Please see our Employment Candidate Privacy Policy at to learn more about how we collect, use, retain and disclose Personal Information.

Please note that Ariat does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Agreement, Ariat will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter/agency placement fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed Agreement, Ariat explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted directly to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Ariat.

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