Materials Developer job in Fitzroy

IN A NUTSHELL

At Bellroy, our mission drives us to discover and inspire better ways to do, well, everything. We are a for-purpose business out to help the planet, and its people, flourish. Our environmental goals have been inspired by Cradle-to-Cradle principles, and we need a Materials Developer to help us create and push towards more sustainable performance material solutions.

We are in a time of growth, and as our first full-time materials developer, you’ll be the champion of materials development in Bellroy. Working between our design, product development and production teams, you will have full oversight of our materials program – researching what’s going on in the industry, thinking about how we can improve, then developing, testing and approving new materials, trims and hardware that will elevate our products to new levels of function and delight.

We’re in need of someone with the technical chops as well as a taste for the kind of material design that will trigger emotional connections with our customers.

Sound like you? Read on.

YOU COULD BE THE ONE, IF…

You’ve spent plenty of time in a softgoods environment – perhaps you’ve worked in accessories, performance apparel, bags or the outdoor industry. And over a few years, you’ve developed strong technical knowledge of materials used in softgoods including wovens, knits, hardware and trims, including working with vendors to bring compelling commercial solutions to life.

You’re practical and process driven, with a strong interest in the sustainability of performance textiles.. You probably have a relevant degree, but we’re more interested in your hands-on experience. We need someone who can really hit the ground running with calibrated standards and strong work habits.

You’re imaginative yet thorough. You’ll find a way (or make your own) even when the path isn’t clear. And you’ll keep an acute level of attention to detail the whole way through. You can juggle projects, but manage to complete them all with a high level of effectiveness. Because you know getting lots of stuff done doesn’t matter if it’s not done well – or in the right order.

And while you can put your head down and manage yourself through multiple projects at once (you’re just as allergic to micro-managing as we are), you’re just as good at bouncing around ideas, communicating your efforts, and collaborating with the broader team.

We’re an extremely collaborative bunch, and that’s music to your ears – you are ambitious and humble in equal measure. And you thrive in a team environment.

Our mission is to inspire better ways to carry, use business as a force for good, and help the world, and our crew, flourish. To do this, we need smart people, with good intentions, who can get shit done. And that just about sums you up. Your world-class ambitions will fit right in with our vision to be the global leaders in carry.

IF YOU WERE HERE LAST WEEK, YOU MIGHT HAVE...

• Checked the latest production masters from the factories, compared them to the approved samples and provided feedback
• Worked with our CMF lead and design team to develop the vision of our new product range, ensuring it is relevant and energising; and helped them with material insight in those discussions
• Made a plan for implementing new materials that need to be sourced/developed, and checked these can be sourced sustainability according to our standards
• Researched new water-resistant technologies for textiles, and prepared a summary of the available options
• Worked on the new material testing specification we are developing for our suppliers
• Checked test results received from the external lab and made a report on next steps to be communicated to the wider team
• Had a few calls with our overseas mills about the new textiles we are developing with them, to ensure the required finishing and performance is met
• Discussed the ordering and financial terms of new materials with your manager
• Worked on our sustainability guidelines and researched the latest changes to the global standards we are following – before making a plan to implement the changes
• Helped our development team select a material to suit a particular performance function.

LOCATION AND HOURS
This is a full-time role based in Fitzroy with our Product Development team, with regular days in the Bells Beach studio with our design team. Overseas travel to our suppliers and trade shows is required a few times a year.

Start date: We're ready when you are!

IF YOU'RE READY TO APPLY...

We love receiving applications directly. You'll give yourself the best chance by visiting this website: https://grnh.se/a35a81ca1 to apply.

You'll need your cover letter, resume and to answer three questions.