Material Developer & Team Lead Shanghai Material Team

Klättermusen is looking for a Material Developer & Team Lead

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Material Developer and Team Leader for our material team in Shanghai to join our Purchase & Production team in Åre. The role combines hands-on responsibility for developing fabrics for outdoor products with leadership of the Material Team in Shanghai. The ideal candidate has a strong background in textiles, material science, chemistry, or a related field; experience with technical fabrics; and the ability to lead and develop a team across locations. The role works cross-functionally to develop, test, and implement materials that improve product performance, sustainability, quality, and cost-efficiency, while ensuring clear priorities and effective follow-up within the Shanghai team.

This is a full time employment and the position is based in Åre.

Key Responsibilities

Fabric Development:

• Collaborate with product design and development teams to source and develop materials that meet the performance, aesthetic, and sustainability goals of our products.

• Provide regular updates and reports to the product development team and management.

• Ensure that our materials meet regulatory and safety standards and follows Klättermusen's test protocol.

• Ensure that all material product cards in the PLM system are accurate and up to date.

• Negotiate prices (incl. surcharges), lead times and minimum order quantities with suppliers.

Quality Assurance & Testing:

• Develop and implement testing protocols to assess material performance under various conditions.

• Coordinate the Shanghai Material Team's cooperation with the Quality Team on bulk fabric testing, inspections and quality follow-up, ensuring clear responsibilities and timely information sharing.

• Work with the Quality Team to investigate material related quality issues, coordinate with the Shanghai Material Team to agree on corrective and preventive actions with suppliers and follow up on their effectiveness.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Identify opportunities to incorporate sustainable materials and practices into product development.

• Ensure environmental impact reduction through material innovation/choices.

• Ensure that sustainability data for materials is accurate and up to date in the PLM system.

• Contribute to sustainability initiatives and other science-driven projects.

Team Leadership & Personnel Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate the Material Team in Shanghai, with a primary focus on bulk fabric follow-up, quality, and the redevelopment and improvement of existing materials.

• Set clear priorities, allocate work, and follow up on progress, quality, and seasonal deadlines in alignment with the Material Team in Sweden and relevant cross-functional teams.

• Hold regular team meetings and one-to-one meetings, provide feedback and coaching, and support each team member's performance, engagement, and professional development.

• Manage personnel responsibilities for the Shanghai Material Team, including performance reviews, individual development plans, absence follow-up, and workplace-related matters, in alignment with company policies and local HR requirements.

• Identify staffing and capability needs and participate in recruitment, onboarding, training, and succession planning for the team.

• Develop clear ways of working, responsibilities, and escalation routines, and ensure effective collaboration, communication, and knowledge sharing between the teams in Shanghai and Sweden.

• Address performance or collaboration issues promptly and escalate material, quality, delivery, or resourcing risks when required.

Other:

• Establish and maintain relationships with key material suppliers.

• Support the commercial team with sustainability and material data.

Experience & Skills

• Proven experience (3+ years) in fabric and trims development within the outdoor, sports, or technical textile industry, preferably within packs, footwear, and/or waterproof apparel.

• Bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering, Material Science, or a related field

• Strong knowledge of textile manufacturing processes, material properties, testing methods, and fabric construction

• Experience with sustainable materials and practices in the footwear, packs, and/or apparel industry

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with strong attention to detail

• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with cross-functional and cross-cultural teams

• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and take ownership of projects and initiatives

• Proficiency in relevant software tools, such as Microsoft Office and PLM systems

• Business-level proficiency in written and spoken English

• Experience leading, coaching, or developing a team, including responsibility for performance follow-up and employee development

• Ability to lead effectively across locations and build strong collaboration between teams in Sweden and Shanghai

What Klättermusen offers

• A forward-thinking design environment in a global outdoor brand

• A role centered on innovation, exploration, and sustainable product development

• Close collaboration with international production, sourcing teams, and testing environments

• Opportunities for creative impact and professional growth

• A workplace immersed in the outdoors — Åre is both our home and our testing ground

Welcome to apply by 2026-11-10. Applications will be handled on an ongoing basis.

We only accept applications through this channel. Your application will be stored in our database, and we will contact you if a suitable position becomes available. Applications will be handled on an ongoing basis.