Fabric Development Manager, Universal Thread

Pay is based on several factors which vary based on position. These include labor markets and in some instances may include education, work experience and certifications. In addition to your pay, Target cares about and invests in you as a team member, so that you can take care of yourself and your family. Target offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more, to help you and your family take care of your whole selves. Other benefits for eligible team members include 401(k), employee discount, short term disability, long term disability, paid sick leave, paid national holidays, and paid vacation. Find competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond at https://corporate.target.com/careers/benefits.

About Us:

Working at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. We bring that vision to life through our values and culture. Learn more about Target here.

At the heart of one of the world’s best loved and most recognizable brands is an impeccable Owned Brand Product Design & Management organization. We thrive on the magic of discovering that just-right thing, and we infuse everything we do with our passion for affordable chic. We concept, develop, make and deliver the stylish new favorites that Target guests expect and deserve. We are uber-savvy trend and style experts who stay ahead of the curve, proactively identifying our market’s needs and exceeding them, every time. Join one of our dynamic and inventive teams to influence the style, quality and value that decisively position Target above the competition. Your input will have a direct and positive effect, apparel categories. Here, you’ll be close to the action of dreaming up and bringing to life the Target-owned brands that surprise and gratify guests, wherever and whenever they love to shop.  

A role with the Raw Materials Development team means a big opportunity to start from scratch and create something truly original. Are you a fabric expert who can support your business by staying one step ahead of industry trends, new materials and techniques? Can you demonstrate the utmost attention to detail and create products that are unprecedented in the marketplace for their design and quality for the price? Then you’ll have success with our Raw Materials Development team who owns the development of all Target-owned brands, from apparel. In close partnership with our design and sourcing counterparts, you’ll drive brand cohesion and continuity, ensuring that our products meet the merchant line plans, assortment strategies, price points and overall creative direction.  

As a Fabric Development Manager, you will:

• Define and drive fabric strategy aligned to brand vision, seasonal direction, and guest needs

• Bring a strong point of view on materials, informed by trend, market, and consumer insights

• Partner with Design to influence fabric direction at key moments in the product creation process

• Translate design intent into material solutions that balance aesthetics, performance, and cost

• Research and develop raw materials that bring innovation and differentiation to product

• Create and communicate technical fabric specifications to support development and production

• Collaborate with global vendors and suppliers to develop and execute fabrics with consistency and precision

• Apply fabric construction, testing, and manufacturing knowledge to guide decisions and resolve challenges

• Own progress against development timelines, ensuring milestones are met with clear, timely communication

• Translate material priorities into clear direction for cross-functional and global partners

Core responsibilities of this job are described within this job description. Job duties may change at any time due to business needs.

About you:

• Bachelor’s degree in Textiles, Design, or Product Development, or equivalent experience

• 3+ years in fabric development or related field

• Strong knowledge of textile construction and manufacturing processes (knit, woven, dyeing, printing, finishing)

• Experience developing fabrics that meet performance, quality, and sustainability standards

• Knowledge of textile testing methods and standards

• Strong understanding of fabric trends, market shifts, and competitive landscape

• Ability to influence products through a material-first, guest-focused lens

• Strong problem-solving skills, applying technical expertise to product outcomes

• Effective collaborator with the ability to influence cross-functional partners

• Strong communication, organization, and project management skills

• Operates with urgency and manages multiple priorities

• Proactive, solutions-oriented, and stays closely connected to the work

This position will operate as a Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement based on Target’s needs. A Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement means the team member’s core role will need to be performed both onsite at the Target HQ MN location the role is assigned to and virtually, depending upon what your role, team and tasks require for that day. Work duties cannot be performed outside of the country of the primary work location, unless otherwise prescribed by Target. Click here if you are curious to learn more about Minnesota. 

Team Members in the Target General Merch Inc operating company are prohibited from working more than thirty (30) days per calendar year in any of the following states: AL, AR, DE, FL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MS, MO, NC, OK, PA, SC, TN and VA. If hired, you will be prohibited from working remotely from any of the states listed above for more than thirty (30) days per calendar year.

Benefits Eligibility

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

In compliance with state and federal laws, Target will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please reach out to candidate.accommodations@HRHelp.Target.com. Non-accommodation-related requests, such as application follow-ups or technical issues, will not be addressed through this channel.