Materials Developer

Materials Developer

Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Gymshark Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop innovative woven materials for Gymshark's world-class products.
  • Company: Join Gymshark, a leading brand in activewear with a focus on sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, healthcare, 25 days holiday, and Gymshark discounts.
  • Other info: Work onsite at Gymshark HQ for hands-on collaboration and growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of fitness fashion while collaborating with creative teams.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years in material development with strong technical knowledge.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

Help shape the future of Gymshark materials

At Gymshark, great products start with great materials. We're looking for a knowledgeable and detail-oriented Materials Developer to support the end-to-end development of woven materials, from initial concept through to bulk production.

This role is critical in ensuring our materials meet the highest standards of performance, quality, innovation, and sustainability while supporting the successful delivery of our seasonal product collections. You'll work closely with Product Development, Design, Colour, and Sourcing teams, as well as external mills and suppliers, to develop materials that help bring world‑class products to life.

WHAT YOU'LL DO.

As a Materials Developer, you'll play a key role in delivering materials that meet both technical and commercial requirements, ensuring development milestones are achieved on time and to the highest standard.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Developing and industrialising new woven materials across multiple product categories.
  • Ensuring material development activities are completed in line with seasonal calendar deadlines.
  • Collaborating closely with Product Development, Design, Colour, and Sourcing teams to align on performance, aesthetic, and production requirements.
  • Partnering with mills and suppliers to develop innovative, high-performance, and sustainable materials from concept through to industrialisation.
  • Supporting material quality and performance validation through laboratory testing and compliance assessments.
  • Contributing to supplier performance reviews and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Integrating sustainability considerations into material development to help reduce environmental impact and enhance product sustainability.
  • Maintaining accurate technical documentation, including material specifications, test reports, and sustainability records.
  • Managing and updating physical and digital material libraries.
  • Identifying opportunities to improve quality, performance, sustainability, and cost efficiency throughout the development process.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED.

Essential Experience & Skills

  • Minimum of 3 years' experience in material development.
  • Strong technical knowledge of material and fabric technology, including spinning, weaving, dyeing, finishing, and washing processes.
  • Good understanding of garment technology and construction.
  • Strong knowledge of laboratory testing and commercial fabric testing standards.
  • Experience working with suppliers and mills throughout the material development lifecycle.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Ability to review supplier performance data and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Strong understanding of sustainable practices within material production and product development.
  • Excellent problem‑solving skills with the ability to anticipate and resolve material‑related issues.
  • High attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and PLM or similar product lifecycle management systems.
  • Ability and willingness to travel when required.

Preferred

  • Understanding of the activewear, sportswear, fitness, or fashion markets and emerging industry trends.

Onsite Collaboration: Due to the hands‑on and highly collaborative nature of the work within our Product & Supply Chain team, we have a minimum expectation of three days per week onsite at our Gymshark HQ. This ensures we can work closely together to innovate, problem‑solve, and deliver world‑class products for our community.

We’re an equal opportunities employer, and for us that means we always strive to be as inclusive as possible in all aspects of employment, right from your application. We’re committed to finding reasonable adjustments for candidates with specific needs or have a disability during our recruitment process, and all applicants will be considered fairly and equally. We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. If you’d like to request a reasonable adjustment please email talent@gymshark.com.

THE PERKS.

Standard benefits include:

  • Performance‑based Bonus opportunity
  • Funded Healthcare benefit
  • 25 days holiday, additional day for your birthday & Bank Holidays
  • Contributory Employer pension scheme
  • Flexible benefits programme – including salary sacrifice EV scheme, dental insurance, cycle to work, tech scheme, holiday trading
  • Gymshark Employee Discount & long service awards
  • Access to High Street cashback and discounts
  • Financial, Physical and Mental Wellbeing Support
  • Enhanced Family Leave package
  • Life Assurance

Office location specific benefits include (HQ/IQ):

  • Gym Membership to The Lifting Club (LC)
  • Onsite lunch provision & coffee bars

Note: The bonus program and benefits have certain eligibility requirements. Gymshark reserves the right to amend these programs in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.

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Materials Developer employer: Gymshark Ltd

At Gymshark, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions inclusivity and employee growth. As a Researcher in our Solihull office, you'll enjoy a range of benefits including a performance-based bonus, funded healthcare, and generous holiday allowances, all while collaborating with passionate teams to drive impactful product insights. Our commitment to your well-being is reflected in our extensive support programs and unique perks tailored to enhance your work-life balance.

Gymshark Ltd

Contact Details:

Gymshark Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Materials Developer

Get Down to the Fashion Events

Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like Gymshark Ltd!

Join Fashion-Focused Communities

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Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio

Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for Gymshark Ltd.

Leverage Your University Connections

If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at Gymshark Ltd!

We think you need these skills to ace Materials Developer

Material Development
Woven Materials Expertise
Technical Knowledge of Fabric Technology
Garment Technology Understanding
Laboratory Testing Standards
Supplier and Mill Collaboration
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!

Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at Gymshark Ltd.

Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to Gymshark Ltd!

Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at Gymshark Ltd. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!

How to prepare for a job interview at Gymshark Ltd

Showcase Your Style Portfolio

For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!

Know the Latest Trends and Brands

Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.

Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills

In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Dress the Part

This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!