Materials Manager - Down

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Materials Procurement Manager – Down to lead our strategic efforts in optimizing Down material sourcing across our products. This role is critical to our goal of reducing product costs while maintaining the highest quality, ethical sourcing, and sustainability standards. Reporting to the Head of Global Procurement, the ideal candidate will leverage their deep expertise in the Down value chain—from rawhide sourcing to finished Down—to identify and implement cost-saving opportunities, manage market volatility, and strengthen supplier relationships.

Success in this role means achieving measurable cost reductions, securing supply continuity, and contributing to product excellence by aligning material sourcing with the company’s innovation and sustainability goals. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on our business, contribute to company growth, and shape the future of our Down sourcing strategy.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive down procurement strategy that optimizes cost, quality, and sustainability across all applicable products.
• Build, maintain, and expand a global network of goose and down suppliers to ensure reliable and competitive sourcing.
• Partner with Product Development and Merchandising to build and maintain a central Down materials library with a curated assortment of premium Downs optimized for high quality, product consistency, speed to market, and cross-category application.
• Analyze and monitor the global down market, including price trends, supply-demand dynamics, sustainability regulations, and emerging risks, to inform procurement strategies and minimize price volatility.
• Establish and maintain long-term partnerships with key suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and driving value across the supply chain.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including sourcing, product development, quality assurance, and merchandising to align material procurement strategies with product requirements and company objectives.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for cost savings, innovation, and process efficiencies across the Down value chain.
• Create and implement risk mitigation strategies, including multi-sourcing, forward purchasing, and compliance with responsible sourcing initiatives.
• Lead supplier performance management efforts to ensure quality assurance, compliance with ethical labor standards, and adherence to environmental regulations.
• Provide regular reporting on procurement performance, cost savings, and market conditions.
• Establish, codify, and enforce Down quality performance standards that ensure consistency across vendors, enable accurate teardown benchmarking, and tie material specifications directly to expected product performance, durability, and customer experience.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven experience in materials procurement, supply chain management, or sourcing, with a specific focus on Down materials.
• Deep understanding of the Down value chain, including Goose farm sourcing, processes, finishing techniques, and grading, as well as quality variations and end-use applications.
• Strong professional network and/or knowledge of major players in the Down market
• Expertise in analyzing and mitigating price volatility in the Down market and managing commodity risk.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience managing supplier relationships across multiple geographies.
• Demonstrated success in achieving cost reduction and process optimization goals.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including product development and sourcing.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Preferred:

• Advanced degree in supply chain, business, or a related field.
• Experience implementing sustainability initiatives
• Familiarity with digital tools and systems for procurement and supplier management.
• Knowledge of trade policies, import/export regulations, and logistics specific to Down.