Materials Development and Supply Chain Project Manager

Overview

About the Opportunity

Aquent is partnering with a global leader in athletic footwear and apparel to find an experienced materials and supply chain professional for a contract opportunity supporting innovative performance footwear development. This role will help manage material development initiatives, coordinate global suppliers, and ensure materials are ready to support critical product creation and commercialization timelines. You’ll work across sourcing, planning, and manufacturing teams to keep projects moving, resolve supply challenges, and support a high-impact portfolio of performance materials.

What You’ll Do

• Manage material development projects from initial development through supplier onboarding, commercialization, and eventual phase-out.
• Coordinate with global suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure material availability, production readiness, and project milestones are achieved.
• Partner with Materials Sourcing, Materials Planning, Product Development, and Manufacturing Operations teams to support business priorities.
• Track supplier capacity, material lead times, inventory health, and potential supply chain constraints.
• Identify risks, proactively resolve issues, and escalate challenges that could affect production or commercialization timelines.
• Support material qualification, supplier readiness, and transitions from development into production.
• Maintain accurate material data, project trackers, status reports, and operational documentation.
• Communicate regularly with cross-functional stakeholders and Asia-based supplier partners to ensure alignment and timely execution.

What You’ll Bring

• 5+ years of experience in supply chain, materials sourcing, material planning, supplier operations, or related manufacturing environments.
• Strong project management experience, including managing multiple priorities, coordinating stakeholders, and delivering against deadlines.
• Experience working with suppliers, vendors, or manufacturing partners to manage material availability, production requirements, or supply chain challenges.
• Understanding of material supply chains, supplier capacity, lead times, and operational risk management.
• Strong Excel skills and experience managing operational data, reporting, and project tracking.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• A proactive, self-directed approach and the ability to navigate ambiguity in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Ability to work onsite Monday through Friday and participate in occasional evening meetings with international partners.

Nice to Have

• Previous experience with global footwear or apparel organizations like Nike or Adidas. 
• Experience with textiles, yarns, fibers, fabrics, or performance materials.
• Knowledge of material development, qualification, onboarding, commercialization, or lifecycle management.
• Experience coordinating suppliers or manufacturing operations in Asia, particularly Vietnam.
• Familiarity with seasonal product development calendars and material readiness requirements.
• Experience with ERP, PLM, or materials management systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, textiles, operations, or a related field.

Why Apply?

• Work on innovative products: Support the materials and supply chain processes behind performance footwear used around the world.
• Make a meaningful impact: Help ensure new materials and supplier capabilities are ready to support important product launches.
• Gain global exposure: Collaborate with sourcing, planning, engineering, and manufacturing partners across international teams.
• Own important projects: Take responsibility for coordinating initiatives, solving problems, and keeping development timelines on track.
• Build valuable industry experience: Strengthen your expertise in performance materials, global sourcing, and footwear commercialization.

If you enjoy bringing structure to complex projects, collaborating with global suppliers, and solving real-world materials and supply chain challenges, we’d love to hear from you.