Coordinator, Materials Development

Coach is a global fashion house founded in New York in 1941. Inspired by the vision of Creative Director Stuart Vevers and the inclusive and courageous spirit of our hometown, we make beautiful things, crafted to last—for you to be yourself in.

 

Coach is part of the Tapestry portfolio – a global house of brands committed to stretching what’s possible.

 

A member of the Tapestry family, we are part of a global house of brands that has unwavering optimism and is committed to being innovative and wholly inclusive.

Primary Purpose: The Materials Development Coordinator supports the end-to-end development and commercialization of materials, ensuring all components meet design intent, quality standards, cost targets, and calendar timelines. Reporting to the Manager of Leathergoods Materials Development, this role will also provide significant support to the Footwear Materials Development team, with responsibilities in material research, color development, and library maintenance. The coordinator will collaborate with Design, Product Development, Sourcing, and external suppliers to manage seasonal material and color developments across both categories. This position plays a key role in elevating material quality, color accuracy, and innovation while driving efficiency and consistency in processes across Coach Leathergoods and Footwear.

 

 

The successful individual will leverage their proficiency in Materials Development, Product Development to... 

• Support the full material lifecycle from initial research and design concept through development, testing, approval, and commercialization into bulk production.
• Assist in the creation and execution of seasonal material and color palettes, ensuring color accuracy, consistency, and feasibility across suppliers.
• Manage material and color sample requests, tracking, labeling, and library maintenance to ensure timely availability for design and development reviews.
• Maintain the physical and digital color/material libraries for both Footwear and Leathergoods to ensure organized, up-to-date references for design and development teams.
• Partner with global suppliers to follow up on developments, lab dips, sample submissions, testing reports, and lead-time updates.
• Enter and maintain accurate material and color information in ecVision and other tracking tools, ensuring updates are current across all stakeholders.
• Coordinate material and color testing requests and ensure all submissions meet brand, regulatory, and sustainability requirements.
• Support Product Development, Design, and Merchandising with material and color references, seasonal boards, and key meeting preparation.
• Assist in process documentation and implementation to improve team efficiency and alignment leathergoods and footwear sourcing strategies.

 

The accomplished individual will possess...

• 1+ years of experience in product development, materials sourcing, or supply chain (footwear, leathergoods, or apparel industry experience preferred).
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and timelines simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to partner effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Detail-oriented with strong follow-up skills and a proactive mindset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with PLM systems a plus.
• Interest in footwear, fashion, materials innovation, and sustainability.

 

An outstanding professional will have... 

• A combination of education and experience will be considered
• Strong sense of teamwork and ability to multi-task. 
• Flexibility to adapt as the business requires and to perform efficiently and effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Our Competencies for All Employees

 

• Courage: Doesn’t hold back anything that needs to be said; provides current, direct, complete, and “actionable” positive and corrective feedback to others; lets people know where they stand; faces up to people problems on any person or situation (not including direct reports) quickly and directly; is not afraid to take negative action when necessary.
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