We’re Pentland Brands; a dynamic, global family business, and proud owners and licensees of many iconic active and footwear brands. With a community of over 1,300 team members worldwide, we embrace diversity and inclusion, and champion growth and development. Our success is built on teamwork, courage, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

WHAT’S THE MISSION FOR THIS ROLE?

As a Materials Technologist, you will play a key role in ensuring our products meet performance, quality, and sustainability standards. You’ll work closely with design, product development, sourcing, and production teams to select, test, and validate materials, helping turn concepts into high-quality, innovative product. 

WHAT DOES THIS ROLE DO?

As our Materials Technologist, you will be responsible for: 

Material Development & Testing 

• Support the selection and specification of fabrics, trims, and components for our products. 

• Conduct material testing and validation to ensure performance, durability, and compliance with quality standards. 

• Analyse test results, provide technical recommendations, and identify opportunities for improvement. 

Collaboration & Execution 

• Work closely with Designers, Product Developers, and Sourcing teams to ensure material choices are feasible, high-performing, and aligned with design intent. 

• Liaise with suppliers to source and trial materials, ensuring compliance with technical and sustainability requirements. 

• Support production teams with technical guidance and problem-solving related to materials. 

Sustainability & Quality 

• Promote sustainable material choices and practices, incorporating recycled content and environmentally responsible processes where possible. 

• Ensure all materials meet regulatory, safety, and environmental standards. 

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the product lifecycle. 

Business & Team Contribution 

• Collaborate across teams to embed material knowledge and technical expertise in product development. 

• Share insights and best practices to enhance team capability and innovation. 

WHAT DO I BRING TO THE ROLE?

You just might be our next superstar if you have the following skills and experience:

• 3–5 years’ experience in material technology, textile science, or product development (performance, outdoor, or fashion industries a plus). 

• Strong knowledge of fabric types, finishes, trims, and testing protocols. 

• Are a great storyteller with a keen eye for colour, trends, and design. 

• Possess strong technical knowledge of textiles (weaves, finishes, performance metrics) and colour theory. 

• Are passionate about sustainability and have experience implementing environmentally responsible material strategies. 

• Experience with material testing, lab analysis, and supplier collaboration. 

• Ability to balance technical requirements with design, cost, and sustainability considerations. 

• Detail-oriented, proactive, and collaborative with excellent problem-solving skills. 

• Passion for sustainability and continuous improvement. 

• Alignment with Pentland principles: consumer-first mindset, ownership, boldness, honesty, and doing the right thing. 

We want you to live our company principles, bringing a strong consumer focus, while always looking for ways to improve and grow in your role. Take ownership of your work and be proactive in solving problems whilst communicating openly and treating everyone with respect and kindness. And, of course, let your creativity shine by bringing your unique style and individuality to the Pentland Brands Team.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?

• Competitive salary + discretionary bonus

• 25 Days Holiday: Increases with length of service and the option to purchase additional days to suit your needs.

• Discounts: Brand discounts (including friends and family and JD Sports), Sample Sales, and other retail discounts and perks.

• Family-Friendly Benefits: Generous enhanced parental leave policies

• Health Perks: Choose from a variety of health-related perks including medical cash plan, critical illness cover, life assurance, gym and fitness discounts, dental insurance, eye care, and health screening to maintain your wellbeing.

• Travel Perks: Take advantage of our season ticket loan, cycle to work schemes, electric car schemes, and discounts on home charging units to support eco-friendly commuting.

• Flexible Working: We offer hybrid working and flexible working hours, allowing you to start your day earlier or later to help with commute costs or personal commitments.

• Chance to join our Charity, D&I and Sustainability employee networks.

As an equal opportunity employer, we’re committed to fostering diversity and creating an inclusive culture across our business, stores, and office environment.

We warmly welcome your application.

This vacancy is a newly created role as part of organisational changes. Final appointment will depend upon the outcome of consultation processes and affected employees will have priority for consideration.