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Material Development Manager Footwear Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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We are seeking an analytical and organized Footwear Sourcing and Production Manager with deep ... Hands-on experience working with overseas factory development centers Preferred Qualifications * 5+ ...

Be Seen First

We are seeking an analytical and organized Footwear Sourcing and Production Manager with deep ... Hands-on experience working with overseas factory development centers Preferred Qualifications * 5+ ...

Material Development Engineer Location: White, GA, USA Job Family / Function: Engineering ... Ability to manage multiple development projects and respond quickly to technical issues. * Self ...

Material Development Engineer Location: White, GA, USA Job Family / Function: Engineering ... Ability to manage multiple development projects and respond quickly to technical issues. * Self ...

$36K - $45K/yr

Working cross-functionally across Merchandising, Design, Product Development, Production, Sales, Planning, and Global Retail teams. The Merchandise Manager will lead the footwear lifecycle from ...

Footwear Materials Manager

Portland, OR · On-site

$107K - $134K/yr

Vice President, Product Development & Engineering, Footwear Location: Portland, Oregon Your Opportunity at ARC'TERYX: As our Footwear Materials Manager you will lead our Materials Development team ...

Vice President, Product Development & Engineering, Footwear Location: Portland, Oregon Your Opportunity at ARC'TERYX: As our Footwear Materials Manager you will lead our Materials Development team ...

Footwear Materials Manager

Portland, OR · On-site

$107K - $134K/yr

Vice President, Product Development & Engineering, Footwear Location: Portland, Oregon Your Opportunity at ARC'TERYX: As our Footwear Materials Manager you will lead our Materials Development team ...

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Material Development Manager Footwear information

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$34K

$84.6K

$125.5K

How much do material development manager footwear jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for material development manager footwear in the United States is $84,642.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a material development manager in footwear do?

A Material Development Manager in Footwear is responsible for sourcing, developing, and selecting materials used in the production of shoes. They work closely with designers, suppliers, and manufacturers to ensure materials meet performance, sustainability, and cost requirements. This role involves managing material testing, quality assurance, and staying up-to-date on new material innovations. Their expertise helps translate design concepts into feasible, high-quality footwear products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a material development manager in footwear?

To thrive as a Material Development Manager in Footwear, you need expertise in material science, product development, and industry knowledge, typically supported by a degree in engineering, textiles, or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, PLM systems, and testing protocols, as well as experience with sustainable materials and vendor management, is critical. Strong project management, communication, and problem-solving skills help drive innovation and collaboration across design, sourcing, and manufacturing teams. These competencies ensure the creation of high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective materials that align with brand goals and market demands.

What are some common challenges faced by material development managers in footwear, and how can they be addressed?

Material Development Managers in footwear often face challenges such as balancing innovation with cost-effectiveness, ensuring materials meet both performance and sustainability standards, and managing tight production timelines. Collaboration across design, sourcing, and manufacturing teams is crucial to address these challenges. Staying updated on new material technologies and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers can help streamline development processes and ensure timely, high-quality results.

What are popular job titles related to Material Development Manager Footwear jobs?

For Material Development Manager Footwear jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Material Development Manager Footwear job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,642 per year, or $40.7 per hour.

Footwear Material Developer I

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Under Armour
Retail • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


Under Armour rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 113 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Values & Innovation
At Under Armour, we are committed to empowering those who strive for more, and the company's values - Act Sustainably, Celebrate the Wins, Fight on Together, Love Athletes and Stand for Equality - serve as both a roadmap for our teams and the qualities expected of every teammate.
Our Values define and unite us, the beliefs that are the red thread that connects everyone at Under Armour. Our values are rallying cries, reminding us why we're here, and fueling everything we do.
Our pursuit of better begins with innovation and with our team's mission of being the best. With us, you get the freedom to go further - no matter your role. That means developing, delivering, and selling the state-of-the-art products and digital tools that make top performers even better.
If you are a current Under Armour teammate, apply to this position on the Internal Career Site Here.
Purpose of Role
The Footwear Material Developer I is a fast-paced, highly interactive position where you will work with the footwear innovation team and inline footwear product creation teams. In this role, you are the main conduit to one or more footwear product engines; responsible for material development, integrating performance, trend, aesthetic and function for the end use athlete/consumer. This role is responsible for building and supporting the UA operational infrastructure and world class footwear material supply chain. Your responsibilities will include assisting in technology transfer to inline; helping to curate seasonal and foundational material palettes with the rest of the material team, selecting and developing with best in class material supply partners and creating/evolving communicate channels between Under Armour and our supply partners.
Your Impact
  • Help define and manage foundational and seasonal toolkits on UA's determined cadence
  • Assist with the innovation team in the development of future footwear materials and processes, new applications and evolving material related innovations
  • Work with development, material operations, quality and production to ensure all new material developments are properly allocated and tested to meet end use, costing, logistic and lead time requirements.
  • Central point of contact for material suppliers; schedule office visits and manage the collection of seasonal catalogues
  • Accountable for producing to functional area timelines
  • Sets stretch personal goals and achieves them
  • Organize and maintain the Portland/Baltimore Footwear Material Libraries
  • Input and maintain material supplier and material article information in Centric (our material database).
  • Work closely with development, supply partners and factories to ensure data integrity for style material specification and all other critical product documentation.
  • Travel to global industry evens to gain insight into new developments to keep the UA team informed on the latest innovations in the market
  • Manage data on the current status of footwear innovation development and help to coordinate projects
  • Maintain and organize calendars; assist in priority each day with appropriate details/meeting/important tasks
  • Summarize meetings and communicate action items
  • Compile information and creates presentations
  • Build and maintain relations with internal and external partners
  • Takes direction and makes a project their own, assist with other tasks as assigned

Qualifications
  • Experience in textile, synthetic leather and leather classifications and post processes such as no sew, printing and molding. Knowledgeable in footwear construction.
  • Strong communication skills both verbal and written, with the ability to successfully communicate with vendors from around the world and difference cultural backgrounds.
  • Proficient project management, process and organization skills. The ability to effectively manage many different tasks and overlapping deadlines.
  • Basic math skills related to consumer goods as well as calculating interest, percentages, area, circumference, volume, etc.
  • A great team player who embraces the Company values in their everyday interactions
  • Bachelor's degree in Textiles, Supply Chain Management preferred
  • Minimum 2 years of material development experience or similar fields with an emphasis on material testing, sourcing or footwear product creation
  • Leadership/Managing/Mentoring
  • Travel: potentially 5-10% of the year
  • Program Experience: Microsoft Suite, Adobe, Illustrator, Keynote and/or PowerPoint

Workplace Location
  • Location: This individual must reside within commuting distance from our Baltimore HQoffice.
  • Work Schedule:This role follows a hybrid work schedule, requiring 4 days in-office per week.
  • Travel: 5-10% of the year
  • Licenses/Certifications: N/A
  • Sponsorship Eligibility:UA does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based work authorization for this position at this time.

#LI-SA-1 #Hybrid
Relocation
  • Relocation may be provided up to a specified amount

Base Compensation
$75,000.00-$100,000.00 USD
Most new hires fall within this range and have the opportunity to earn more over time. Initial placement within the salary range, however, is based on an individual's relevant knowledge, skills and experience for the position. UA is committed to helping our teammates succeed and advance in their careers. Base salary is only one component of our competitive Total Rewards package.
Benefits & Perks
  • Paid "UA Give Back" Volunteer Days: Work alongside your team to support initiatives in your local community
  • Under Armour Merchandise Discounts
  • Competitive 401(k) plan matching
  • Maternity and Parental Leave for eligible and FMLA-eligible teammates
  • Health & fitness benefits, discounts and resources- We offer teammates across the country programs to promote physical activity and overall well-being

Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity
At Under Armour, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, family or paternal status and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Under Armour seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people representing a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact our Human Resources team via candidateaccommodations@underarmour.com.
Requisition ID: 167020
Location:

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