Director, Fabric R&D, Material Innovation - Banana Republic

About the Role Reporting to the Vice President, Materials R&D, you will lead an R&D Materials team responsible for translating the brand(s) aesthetic into clear, executable material strategies that support product creation and innovation.

A key part of this role is serving as a strategic partner to Design, ensuring fabric and material development begins with and supports the creative vision of the brand. You will work closely with Design teams from concept through development to identify, create, and evolve fabrics that bring design intent to life.

You will leverage consumer insights, mill partnerships, and key material trends to drive fabric development, innovation, costing, and positioning across the brand portfolio. You will champion a ‘Fabric First’ mentality, ensuring material innovation plays a central role throughout the product-to-market process.

This role connects creative vision with technical execution, guiding the development of fabrics that elevate brand storytelling, performance, and commercial success. You will also support the development and execution of the mill network strategy, maintain strong supplier relationships, and help advance the company’s sustainability goals through the integration of responsible materials and processes.

You will provide direction and strategic thought partnership to internal teams in North America, while collaborating closely with Mill Management and Fabric Engineering teams in Asia to ensure alignment with cross-functional strategies, global sourcing capabilities, and sustainability objectives.

What You'll Do • Partner closely with Design as a primary collaborator, translating design vision into seasonal fabric strategies and leading the identification and development of materials that support the brand’s creative direction.

• Manage and mentor a team of R&D specialists, working in close collaboration with Design, Merchandising, Product Development, and Production cross-functional partners. • Analyze fabric needs acro