Global Fabrics Innovation Director

Coats is a world leader in thread manufacturing and structural components for apparel and footwear, as well as an innovative pioneer in performance materials. These critical solutions are used to create a wide range of products, including ones that provide safety and protection for people, data and the environment.

Trusted by the world's leading companies to deliver crucial, innovative, and sustainable solutions, we provide value-adding products including apparel, footwear and specialty threads.

With a proud heritage dating back more than 250 years and a spirit of evolution to constantly stay ahead of changing market needs, we have operations across 50 countries with a workforce of over 17,000, serving our customers worldwide.

Headquartered in the UK, Coats* connects talent, textiles, and technology to make a better and more sustainable world.

For more info, visit our website: www.coats.com

Role Purpose:

Drive the innovation, improvement, and industrialisation of PPE Fabrics globally. This role acts as a pivotal link between R&D, production, quality, marketing, and commercial teams, ensuring products are developed, certified, and scaled-up for commercial success.

Key Responsibilities:

Fabric Innovation & Performance Engineering

• Research and develop advanced PPE fabric platforms using cutting-edge yarns, fiber blends, and textile constructions.
• Design fabrics that meet or exceed global standards for flame resistance, arc flash protection, chemical resistance, anti-static properties, cut resistance, and more.
• Engineer textiles with optimised performance in comfort, durability, weight, breathability, and moisture management—without compromising safety.

Certification & Compliance Readiness

• Define technical performance requirements aligned with EN, ISO, NFPA, ASTM, and other regional standards.
• Manage lab-scale development and pre-certification testing in collaboration with internal testing labs and accredited third-party institutions.
• Shape early certification strategies to accelerate time-to-market while ensuring cost-efficiency.

Market-Driven Innovation

• Identify unmet needs and emerging opportunities in the PPE fabric market through:

o Competitive analysis.

o Direct engagement with customers and end-users.

o Collaboration with commercial and product teams.

o Translate market insights into meaningful fabric innovations with compelling value

propositions.

External Collaboration & Technology Scouting

• Establish and maintain technical partnerships with:

o Fiber and chemical suppliers.

o Universities, research institutes, and technology labs.

o Certification bodies and safety organizations.

• Monitor advancements in material science (e.g., bio-based FR, recycled fibers, smart textiles) and assess applicability for PPE fabric development.

Prototype & Concept Validation

• Develop lab-scale prototypes and concept samples for internal review and customer feedback.
• Partner with pilot production units to produce small-batch fabric runs for field trials and technical testing.
• Support user trials to validate performance and guide further development.

Innovation Process Leadership

• Develop lab-scale prototypes and concept samples for internal review and customer feedback.
• Partner with pilot production units to produce small-batch fabric runs for field trials and technical testing.
• Support user trials to validate performance and guide further development.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Textile Technology or Textile Engineering degree.
• Minimum 5 years of Personal Protection Fabrics innovation.
• Demonstrated ability to translate market requirements into viable products.
• Proven track record in leading innovative product development, or R&D.
• Experience in managing change, transformation, or digital initiatives.
• Experience in strategic planning, market research, or business development is highly valuable.
• Strategic Thinking & Vision.
• Cross-functional Team Management.
• Project Management.
• Innovation Frameworks.
• Data-Driven Decision Making.
• Ability to organise, manage, and prioritize workload.

At Coats Group, we are committed to innovation, excellence, and fostering a diverse and collaborative environment where every team member can thrive. If you are passionate about making an impact in the textile industry and eager to join a global leader with a rich heritage and a forward-thinking approach, we invite you to take the next step in your career with us.

Apply now to be part of our dynamic team and help shape the future of textiles