We’re Pentland Brands: a global family business behind some of the world’s most iconic active and lifestyle brands. We bring integrity, energy and ambition to our work, setting high standards and striving to deliver great outcomes without ego.

With over 1,500 team members worldwide, we’re proud of our diverse, inclusive culture where everyone is encouraged to speak up, challenge thinking, create breakthroughs and collaborate openly. Our people are what set us apart, and we’re committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

Reports to: VP Design (Endura)

Location: [Office location]

Hours: 36.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday (4.30pm finish on a Friday)

The Senior Material Technologist Mission:

We are looking for an experienced Senior Material Technologist to drive the material strategy, sourcing and development across Berghaus and Endura apparel.

This is a specialist role focused on technical fabrics, trims and material innovation across performance product categories. You will closely with Design, Product Development, Sourcing and Supply Chain teams to identify, develop and commercialise materials that deliver against performance, quality, sustainability and commercial targets.

How you'll drive success:

Material Strategy & Development

• Execute against the seasonal and long-term material strategy across Berghaus and Endura apparel.

• Identify, source and develop technical fabrics and trims aligned to category needs.

• Build and manage material palettes across key product categories.

• Recommend new materials, constructions and finishes that improve product performance and consumer value.

• Drive innovation in areas such as waterproofing, breathability, durability, stretch, comfort, lightweighting and thermal performance.

Supplier & Mill Management

• Build strong relationships with fabric mills, material suppliers and innovation partners globally.

• Work closely with sourcing and manufacturing partners across Asia and wider supply regions.

• Translate brand requirements into commercially viable material solutions.

• Support supplier negotiations around capability, lead time, MOQ and costing.

Technical Performance & Validation

• Review and interpret lab test data to support material decisions.

• Oversee wear testing, wash testing, durability and compliance requirements.

• Ensure materials meet performance standards for outdoor and cycling categories.

• Resolve material quality issues in partnership with Product Development and Quality teams.

Commercial & Cross Functional Partnership

• Balance innovation with target margin, cost engineering and speed to market.

• Partner with Design, Product Development, Merchandising and Sourcing teams through the product creation process.

• Support material decisions from concept through sampling to production.

• Provide technical expertise internally across both brands

Sustainability

• Drive responsible material choices aligned to Pentland sustainability goals.

• Increase use of recycled, lower-impact and certified materials where commercially appropriate.

• Work with suppliers to improve traceability and environmental performance.

• Maintain knowledge of industry standards such as bluesign®, OEKO-TEX®, GRS and similar certifications.

What you'll need to thrive:

• Significant experience (6+ years) in material development, textile technology, fabric sourcing or material innovation within sportswear, outdoor, cycling or technical apparel.

• Strong technical knowledge of knit, woven, laminated and engineered material.

• Knowledge of fibres, yarns, constructions, coatings, membranes, finishes and performance treatments.

• Experience working with mills, suppliers and manufacturing partners across Asia/Global supply chain.

• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance innovation, cost, MOQ, margin and lead time.

• Experience interpreting fabric testing standards and performance data.

• Understanding of sustainability standards and responsible sourcing practices.

• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.

• Proactive mindset with strong ownership and problem-solving capability.

• Degree qualified in Textile Technology, Textile Engineering, Materials Science or related discipline (preferred).

Alongside a competitive salary and discretionary bonus, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, flexibility, and life outside work. This includes generous holiday allowance with the option to buy more, hybrid and flexible working, enhanced family leave, pension and financial protection, wellbeing support, travel schemes, and generous discounts across Pentland Brands and selected retail partners. You can find full details of our benefits and perks on our UK Benefits page.

The Interview Process

We want our interview process to feel clear, straightforward, and supportive. If your experience and expectations look like a strong match for the role, here’s what you can expect next:

1. Talent Team Intro Call - A 30-minute video call with our Talent Team to get to know each other, talk through the role and your experience, and answer any questions you have.

2. Experience Interview - A more in-depth interview (usually online) with the hiring manager to explore your skills, experience and approach, and how these align with the role, our principles, and our ways of working.

3. Final Interview - A final in-person interview at our office, focused on deeper discussion and practical application, giving you the chance to meet more of the team and see Pentland Brands in action.