The role
As Materials Manager you own the materials function and act as the primary link between Pas Normal Studios and our material suppliers. You are responsible for identifying, developing and approving every fabric, trim, and component that goes into our collections and for making sure each one meets our standards for performance, aesthetic, durability and sustainability. The role reports to the Chief Product Officer.
What you will be doing
Materials development
- Lead the sourcing and development of fabrics, trims, prints, and components for new collections, from concept through to final approval.
- Guide design and development in selecting the right material for the job, balancing function, hand-feel, aesthetic and environmental impact.
- Create and maintain accurate material data in PLM — specifications, MDS, lab test results — so prototyping runs on reliable information.
- Own material quality across the entire range, reviewing and approving all material submissions prior to commercialization.
Process and calendar
- Own the materials development lifecycle end to end, so every material is sourced, validated and approved against the seasonal calendar and milestone dates.
- Put systems and processes in place that keep information accurate as it moves between design, development, and suppliers.
- Manage a clean handover from material approval into commercialization, making sure production department receive complete and accurate material information.
- Track the critical path with the Chief Product Officerand flag risks and delays before they become problems.
Cost and margin
- Make sure material choices hit target cost without compromising quality or sustainability.
- Find optimization opportunities through consolidation, localization, and platforming.
- Address MOQ constraints early, before they turn into inefficiencies later in the season.
Innovation and sustainability
- Drive the exploration of new fabrics, finishes, and construction techniques that move our product forward.
- Work with riders, teams and industry partners to turn insight into material choices that measurably improve performance on the bike.
- Set and enforce validation protocols, so new materials meet our standards for quality, comfort and durability before they enter a season.
- Build sustainability benchmarks into material validation — recyclability, traceability, chemical compliance and end-of-life.
- Maintain a living library of approved materials and techniques as a shared resource for the wider creation team.
Working across the business
- Partner with Design from the earliest stage of a season, translating a mood, a sketch or a hand-feel reference into real, sourceable material options.
- Support Production with accurate specs, bulk availability, lead times and MOQs, so nothing stalls between approval and cutting.
- Represent materials in cross-functional meetings and milestone reviews, communicating changes, risks and developments clearly to internal teams and suppliers.
- Align with Quality standards, test protocols and acceptance criteria, and feed field and lab findings back into material selection for the next season.
Supplier partnerships
- Act as the main point of contact with our material suppliers on all new developments, making sure specifications are clear and feasible.
- Give suppliers timely, complete specifications, PLM updates and approvals so prototyping and production move without friction.
- Build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships that drive better quality, efficiency, and cost.
- Work with Quality and Production to align suppliers on KPIs for quality, lead time and cost, and run regular performance reviews.
- Identify and onboard new material partners as the range and the business grows.
What you bring
- 7+ years in materials development within technical apparel, sportswear or performance outerwear, with a track record of owning material decisions end to end.
- Deep knowledge of performance textiles and manufacturing processes specific to performance apparel
- Proficiency in using PLM tools, design software and other tools
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners.
- Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a passion for creating high-performance cycling products.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
What we offer
- Full ownership of your categories in a design-led brand with a short decision-making chain.
- Office in Copenhagen, with teams across Europe, the US and Asia. This is an on-site role.
- Travel of roughly 10–15% to suppliers and trade shows.
- Competitive salary, product allowance, lunch scheme, gym, and Wednesday rides in winter.
- Relocation support if you are moving to Denmark.
How and when to apply
Please send your CV and cover letter no later October 15.
We will review and react to applications as they are received. All inquiries are treated confidentially.
Equal opportunity employer
Pas Normal Studios is an equal opportunity employer and all aspects of employment reflect that. We don’t discriminate based on race, colour, religion, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, or political orientation no matter where we operate.
About Pas Normal Studios
Pas Normal Studios wants to inspire people to explore their own road. Through innovative designs, brand collaborations and the development and sourcing of products and production methods, we aim to be the pioneering brand for dedicated cyclists. Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a global presence and international culture, we are committed to the continuing development of cycling. With inspiration from international art, culture, and fashion, we are a brand defined by contemporary patterns and colors with Scandinavian roots. We are always in pursuit of quality, craftsmanship and sustainable solutions, our products are created for long-term usage, working as a system across seasons.