GUCCI Fabrics Research & Development Specialist

Key Accountabilities

• Research and develop seasonal fabric and material proposals in line with the Artistic Director’s vision, collection briefs and Gucci’s brand identity, liaising with the relevant team on trim development to ensure overall collection coherence.
• Identify innovative materials, constructions, finishes and technologies across knits, wovens, leathers, membranes and coatings, combining a refined luxury aesthetic with the required technical performance, while partnering with the relevant team on trim-related developments.
• Collaborate closely with Design, Collection Coordination, Product Development, Merchandising and relevant industrial teams to translate creative requests into clear material-development briefs and specifications.
• Manage material developments from initial concept through sample approval and industrialization, coordinating trials, lab dips, strike-offs, handlooms, prototypes and related follow-up with suppliers.
• Translate product and performance into appropriate technical requirements, testing protocols and quality standards, while preserving hand-feel, drape, appearance and creative intent.
• Monitor development calendars, approvals, open points and material readiness, anticipating risks and ensuring timely delivery against collection milestones.
• Review test results and material performance, partnering with Quality and industrial teams to address issues concerning colorfastness, durability, shrinkage, recovery, delamination, abrasion and other relevant parameters.
• Promote responsible material innovation through certified, recycled, bio-based and traceable options, supporting restricted-substance and compliance requirements in partnership with the relevant functions.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with mills, tanneries and technical suppliers, fostering innovation, exclusivity and co-development opportunities. Commercial negotiations and supplier contracting remain under the responsibility of the relevant RTW Industrial functions.
• Maintain accurate material libraries, swatch archives, technical documentation and development records, and support collection reviews, product launches and bulk troubleshooting.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of experience in fabrics and materials research and development, preferably within luxury fashion, premium sportswear or technical outerwear.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Fashion/Textile Technology or a related field.
• Strong technical knowledge of textile construction, finishing, dyeing, printing, coatings, laminations, membranes and material-testing methods.
• Proven ability to develop knits, wovens, leathers and technical materials from creative concept through industrialization.
• Strong aesthetic sensitivity, with the ability to evaluate hand-feel, drape, color, finish and visual impact in relation to a creative brief.
• Established network and effective collaboration skills with mills, tanneries and technical suppliers in Italy and internationally.
• Knowledge of sustainability standards, material certifications, traceability requirements and restricted-substance compliance.
• Excellent organizational and project-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple developments and priorities within tight timelines.
• Collaborative, curious and solution-oriented approach, with strong attention to detail and the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• Fluent English and Italian.

Key challenges

• Balancing luxury aesthetics, hand-feel and creative intent with technical performance and industrial feasibility.
• Anticipating material risks and resolving quality or performance issues before bulk production.
• Managing multiple developments and approvals within demanding collection calendars.
• Building effective cross-functional partnerships while ensuring a clear handover to RTW Industrial for commercial negotiations and supplier contracting.

Salary Package

• Gross Annual Salary: 45.000 € (unless otherwise agreed, in the event of a positive outcome of the selection process, should specific levels of experience and autonomy and/or particular competencies emerge during the selection process, based on objective criteria).
• NCBA (National Collective Bargaining Agreement): National Contract per gli Addetti alle Industrie Manifatturiere delle Pelli e Succedanei e Ombrelli e Ombrelloni (unique alphanumeric code: D111)
• White-collar
• Bonuses and Commissions: Annual Target Bonus as per the company-level collective agreement in force, up to 20% of the Gross Annual Salary.
• Other Benefits:
  • Company canteen
  • Supplementary health insurance yes
  • Company welfare program

Gucci is committed to building a diverse workforce. We believe diversity in all its forms – gender, age, nationality, culture, religious beliefs, and sexual orientation – enriches the workplace. It opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to adapt to a changing world. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their background.