Senior Manager, Materials Innovation and Advanced Technology

Job Description

Job DescriptionCompany Description

Overview
SPANX isn’t your average company. We revolutionized an industry by challenging the status quo and putting the customer first. You might know the story: our founder, Sara Blakely, who needed the right thing as a base layer to feel 100% in white pants, so she cut the legs off a pair of tights and Spanx was born. The spark of that origin is the fuel for our future. We grew up in shapewear. But we’ve graduated. For 25 years (yep, we're old enough to rent a car now), we've been experimenting, innovating, and occasionally banging our heads against the drawing board. And we will never stop obsessing about what women who are out there doing their thing deserve. Because we are those women. And we’re honored to create on behalf of us all.

We make elevated essentials with confidence built in. Essentials for layering underneath or wearing out loud, for “just-between-us” and “where'd you get that?” For everything you've got planned (and don't). Because what you put on can change how you show up. And if its' not working for you, it's got no place in your closet. Or on your body. Creating items that’ll make you feel great is a matter of the heart—and the lab. In every Spanx product is technology we design and build to highlight, complement, and form your look, just the way you like it. SPANX design and technology help make sure what you see in the mirror reflects that feeling of feeling your best (you know the feeling?). We are a high-growth, innovative and ambitious company and we are embarking on an exciting trajectory of both digital and international expansion.

About the role
The Senior Manager for Innovation and Advanced Technology infuses the business with new technologies, ideas and understanding. Through the lens of the SPANXeffect and innovation philosophy, the innovation team ensures that SPANX stays at the forefront of innovation across our categories of business. You will lead and manage research across a wide range of innovative projects. As an applied scientist and developer, you thrive on creative thinking, enjoy exploring intricate details, and excel at challenging existing theories and overcoming obstacles through proof of concept.

This role is based in our Atlanta headquarters, requires weekly in-office work Tuesday-Thursday, and reports to the VP of Design, Intimates & Innovation.

Job Description

You'll love it because you will...

• Research, drive and lead innovation materials technology and methods of make to influence new and end-use applications across all categories that foster the expansion and launch of SPANX product platforms
• Deep understanding of polymers, fiber, textile engineering, bonding, printing and finishing applications
• Brings a network of 3rd party suppliers and vendors to support innovation. Drives partnerships with key innovation suppliers to gain access to the latest concepts in development
• Lead in sourcing new and innovative technologies and raw materials to support long-lead material innovation pipeline and allow for intellectual property and/or exclusivity opportunities
• Establish and maintain a robust IP portfolio and proprietary solution and exclusivity on materials projects in partnership with Legal team
• Collaborate with internal innovation partners, raw materials and design to support the development and end-use application across a broad spectrum of innovative materials and applications, not limited to textiles
• Support the innovation team in developing raw materials towards an end specification that ensures quality and commercial viability
• Become a key partner that fosters an environment of innovative thinking, teamwork, collaboration and continuous improvement
• Research latest trends, explore and ideate beyond apparel industry to discover new ideas, methods, and raw materials to drive and challenge the future of SPANX innovation
• Use academic and industry knowledge, supplier networks, publications, and research to benefit the SPANX brand through enhanced performance, sustainability, and intellectual property
• Interpret a diverse supply chain and innovation network to develop dynamic, high-quality concepts that solve consumer issues
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement

Qualifications

We require…

• 7+ years experience across textiles, materials and/ innovation
• Technical knowledge of fibers, yarns, knit and woven structures, dyeing, printing and finishing
• Practical experience in testing, quality assurance, sustainability best practices and certifications.
• Strong contacts with Asia and European yarn suppliers and mills
• Ability to understand mill capabilities and direct development into most appropriate resources
• Excellent project management skills (experience in software such as Smartsheet a plus)
• Computer skills (Excel, Word, PLM, illustrator, Photoshop, PowerPoint)
• Strong negotiation and mill management skills
• Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to influence your peers and organization
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to build collaborative cross functional relationships through timely execution and attention to detail skills and the ability to plan for and meet deadlines.
• Positive and collaborative demeanor with the ability to be flexible to changing business needs
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally approx. 30%

Additional Information

Spanx is proud of our continued Progressive People Practices…

• Company Healthcare Plan: $0.00 out of pocket (Employee only benefit)
  Fertility testing and treatment are included in Spanx’s medical plans, even without the diagnosis of infertility.
• Parental Leave Policy: Primary caregiver receives 16 weeks AND will have the option to work a half-time schedule (20 hours per week) for up to four additional weeks with full-time (40 hours per week) pay.
• Mental Health Days: 10 days
• 401K: Matched up to 4% with immediate vesting.
• PTO & Company Holidays: PLUS two full weeks of companywide closures (one in the Summer; one between Christmas and NYE)
• Flex Friday: Year-round half day Fridays!