Materials Developer

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are excited to share the opportunity for a Materials Developer to join the Finisterre team! This role will support the Product Development, Design, Buying, and Technical and Compliance teams by independently managing the sourcing, development, innovation and bulk production of Finisterre materials, including fabrics, yarns, trims and packaging. This role focuses on driving sustainable initiatives and implementing efficient processes in collaboration with key suppliers and partners, while ensuring the highest standards of quality and consistency and aligning with the company product sustainability strategies.

ABOUT FINISTERRE

Born two decades ago from the needs of hardy British surfers, Finisterre creates enduring outdoor wear for an inspired life in and around the ocean. Proudly B Corp certified, we have committed to a deep belief: to make truly exceptional products in a more responsible and transparent way. Whether based at our cliff top headquarters in St. Agnes, Cornwall, or in one of our retail locations across the UK, Finisterre is a truly unique brand and career proposition.

Perched a few hundred meters from the crashing Atlantic, our HQ at St. Agnes’ Wheal Kitty Workshops is at the heart of our brand. Here we stay true to our original design ethos of functionality and sustainability brought to life in an understated style and identity, always remaining committed to product, environment, and people.

As we enter the next exciting stage of global growth, we are on the lookout for talented individuals to join our crew. So, if you are as passionate about the ocean as we are and if you want to be part of a truly authentic, purpose-led brand and you share our vision to create exceptional products in a responsible way, then we would love to hear from you.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the end-to-end development of all materials—including fabric, yarn, trims, and packaging—from initial concept and sourcing through to bulk production.
• Provide specialist material expertise, conducting in-depth research into emerging technologies and sustainability trends across fibre, materials, fabric processing and print/dye techniques.
• Ensure quality and traceability are embedded within the raw material strategy and act as a key consultant across innovation projects.
• Demonstrate understanding of minimum order quantities (MOQs), effectively managing sampling yardage and bulk fabric requirements to support prototype development, production needs and minimising waste.
• Knowledge of duties, tariffs and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), with awareness of their impact on material sourcing strategies and overall product cost efficiency.
• Ensure adherence to critical path timelines and production approval deadlines, while maintaining compliance with Finisterre’s Preferred Fibre standards and required material certifications.
• Oversee our commitments to key sustainability initiatives including The Microfibre Consortium and the Canopy Pledge programmes such as ‘Pack4Good’ and ‘Canopy Style’
• Base testing through close collaboration with suppliers and SGS (our partnered test house) acting as a point of liaison for bulk fabric approvals/testing to ensure all materials meet brand standards for testing, compliance, and adherence to regulatory, chemical, and ethical safety requirements.
• Global travel (on occasion independently) including attending trade fairs, visiting our UK and overseas mills and factory partners for sourcing and to build strong relationships with our partners.
• Maintain a well organised and usable physical materials library. Both accurately and fully populate our PLM system with thorough information such as material composition, weight, COO, supplier information, costing etc. ensuring this is well maintained.
• Actively manage failures on rejected fabrics, ensuring fabrics are improved and re-submitted without delay. Carry out Risk assessment against proposed fabrics prior to style development to mitigate against technical failures.
• Communicate with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, working professionally and cooperatively with other internal teams
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, developing a strong working knowledge of vendor capability to meet demands.
• Work alongside the Design, Product Development and Buying teams when sourcing for new seasonal collections and resourcing, helping to identify opportunities to improve bought in margin, innovate and elevate product offering.
• Coordinate with the Compliance and Technical team to maintain quality, ensure certification requirements, traceability information and testing standards are met and collaborate on maintaining up to date Fabrics of Finisterre and Preferred Fibres documents.
• Work with SGS to reduce and eliminate the risk of hazardous substances in the manufacturing process in line with business and industry RSL / MRSL.
• Collaborate with the Impact team highlighting opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint, gathering all information required for reporting and aligning on company goals and driving sustainable initiatives.
• Support our Repairs team with material orders

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO FINISTERRE

• Relevant aspiration and interest in being part of a multi-channel retail business
• A relevant degree in textile science, fabric development, fashion design, material engineering or a related field, or an applicable background in Fabric, Trim and Materials development
• 3-5 years+ experience within material development ideally with a fashion, performance or lifestyle brand. Open to relevant experience working for a textile company, mill, interiors brand or laboratory-based role
• Prior experience across fabric, knit, woven, trims and packaging preferrable
• Strong knowledge of textile testing, fabric construction, yarn types, finishing techniques, fabric specification sheets
• Experience using PLM systems and Excel
• Strong knowledge of sustainability, certifications and compliancy standards, experience working for an impact led brand or B Corp brand preferential
• Commercial eye for material trends and passion for innovation projects
• Accuracy, organisation and attention to detail
• Experience managing costs and MOQs
• Able to work well autonomously and collaboratively within a team
• A strong commitment to learning about the key skills, deliverables and challenges of material sourcing and development within a product team and to delivering continuous improvement
• Willingness to own and drive your personal development plan, and open to asking for and accepting feedback on performance
• Commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, and social and environmental sustainability
• Passion, energy and aspiration in line with Finisterre values, products, brand and customers
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team
• Thrives on positive change and able to manage self under pressure

Important

The successful candidate must, by the start of their employment, have permission to work in the UK. Please note that Finisterre are not licensed to sponsor overseas workers.

WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE FROM FINISTERRE

We are offering a full-time, permanent contract, based at our Headquarters at Wheal Kitty, St Agnes, Cornwall. We’ll invest in you with a competitive salary between £30,000 – £40,000 based on your skills and experience.

But it’s not just a job. At Finisterre, we provide an opportunity to grow and develop yourself within at a fast-paced, growing B Corp certified brand with a great culture and an exciting purpose. You’ll get the chance to collaborate with a diverse community of people with a shared mission. In return, we take good care of you through a range of initiatives and rewards, including:

• A discretionary bonus scheme, based on company performance
• A pension scheme with Nest
• 25 days holiday per year, plus up to 8 UK bank holidays
• Additional holidays for length of service
• Your birthday day off
• 60% product discount for personal and gift use
• 30% Friends and Family product discount
• Life assurance with access to an employee assistance program
• Access to a wide range of wellbeing programs, including counselling services, headspace membership, eye tests, yoga, cycle to work and a range of perks
• Regular company social events
• Paid volunteering opportunities – we will support you in giving back to communities and causes
• Various discounts from our B Corp community
• Individual training and development plans
• Sea Tuesday companywide updates
• And so much more!

Closing date: Friday 3rd October 2025. We’ll be interviewing as we go along, so we’d encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as the role may close earlier than advertised.

Finisterre is committed to building diverse and inclusive teams. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to join us and be themselves at work.