Sr Director - Materials and Wash R&D

POSITION TITLE: Senior Director - Materials and Wash R&D

Position Summary:

The Senior Director of Materials and Wash R&D will provide strategic leadership and vision across the company’s fabric development, color, and wash processes to drive brand differentiation, product innovation, and operational excellence. This executive will lead a global team to deliver world-class textile solutions, championing cutting-edge fabric, wash, and color development aligned with brand aesthetics and sustainability goals. A critical thought partner to Design, Production, and Merchandising, this role ensures scalable innovation, supplier collaboration, and process discipline across AEO Inc.'s brand portfolio.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Fabric and Wash Innovation

• Define and execute a holistic innovation strategy for fabric and wash/finishing development that aligns with brand vision, cost frameworks, sustainability goals and production capabilities.
• Lead the development of long-term infrastructure for wash innovation, including proprietary techniques, lab capabilities, and strategic partnerships with global suppliers and local wash centers.
• Identify and commercialize emerging fiber/fabric technologies, sustainable materials, and market-first developments through a global trend and supplier lens.
• Develop and implement raw material strategies that align with business goals, focusing on speed-to-market, quality, and cost optimization.

Global Vendor & Supply Chain Leadership

• Build and strengthen high-impact partnerships with global mills, laundries, and factories to ensure performance, innovation, speed to market, and sustainability compliance.
• Serve as executive liaison for seasonal wash/trim concept development and strategic sourcing, including oversight of Denim Mill Week and global Fabric Weeks.
• Lead the evaluation and onboarding of alternative mills and suppliers, driving diversification and resilience in the supply chain.
• Apply deep regulatory and trade knowledge on a global scale to optimize raw material strategy, including rules of origin, traceability, and verification requirements.
• Drive vendor empowerment in raw material development, including color, print, and wash processes, to accelerate approvals and enhance collaboration.

Cross-Functional Partnership & Process Optimization

• Elevate cross-functional collaboration with Design, Production, Sourcing, Quality Assurance, and Merchandising to ensure technical alignment and timely execution of creative vision.
• Drive operational excellence by defining and optimizing end-to-end processes in fabric R&D, color standardization, and wash execution.
• Translate brand creative into scalable, production-ready solutions that meet design intent, margin goals, and delivery timelines.

Color Strategy & Quality Execution

• Oversee color management, ensuring brand consistency and accuracy across all channels and regions.
• Standardize color approval protocols, including the implementation of digital color systems (e.g., CSI, Pantone) and platforms such as Natific and Tradestone.
• Lead global shade standardization processes, sample evaluation, and troubleshooting with mills and laundries to uphold brand quality standards.

Innovation Leadership & Industry Influence

• Represent AEO Inc. at major textile and innovation forums, driving brand visibility and early access to transformative technologies.
• Champion sustainability and responsible innovation across wash and dye processes, aligning with broader ESG commitments.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (MS preferred) in Textile Science, Chemistry, or related field.
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in global textile finishing, color, and wash development, ideally with premium or high-volume brands.
• Demonstrated success in leading global teams and building innovative, scalable product development strategies.
• Expertise in both creative and technical aspects of textile and garment production.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• High proficiency in digital tools, color systems, and textile development platforms.

Pay/Benefits Information:

• Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.
• Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
• Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service. For additional information, please click here.
• AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion. 

American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE: AEO) is a portfolio of unique, loved and enduring brands with merchandise assortments that consist of high-quality, on-trend apparel, intimates, activewear, accessories, and personal care products. AEO operates stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong, and ships to approximately 80 countries worldwide through its websites. American Eagle and Aerie merchandise also is available at more than 300 international locations operated by licensees in approximately 30 countries. AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity ("EEO") laws. AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual's race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge. AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law. Applications will be accepted until the Apply Before date (if applicable), but may be extended based on applicant volume.