Gucci Fabrics Research and Development Specialist

About Gucci

Gucci, one of the world’s most influential luxury houses, offers employees the opportunity to contribute to a Florentine legacy defined by creativity, craftsmanship and cultural daring. As part of Kering, the Maison combines Italian heritage with a progressive global outlook, fostering careers across design, retail, clienteling, merchandising, digital, operations and corporate functions. Gucci seeks individuals who bring curiosity, excellence and an entrepreneurial spirit, supporting them through inclusive leadership, learning opportunities and international mobility. Its workplace celebrates self-expression, collaboration and innovation, while upholding exacting standards of quality, sustainability and client experience.

Role & Responsibilities

• Research and develop seasonal fabric and material proposals aligned with the Artistic Director’s vision, collection briefs and Gucci’s brand identity, coordinating with the relevant team on trim development to ensure collection coherence.
• Identify innovative materials, constructions, finishes and technologies across knits, wovens, leathers, membranes and coatings, balancing a refined luxury aesthetic with technical performance and partnering with the relevant team on trim-related developments.
• Collaborate with Design, Collection Coordination, Product Development, Merchandising and industrial teams to translate creative requests into clear material-development briefs and specifications.
• Manage material development from initial concept through sample approval and industrialization, coordinating trials, lab dips, strike-offs, handlooms, prototypes and supplier follow-up.
• Translate product and performance needs into 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, anticipate risks and ensure timely delivery against collection milestones.
• Review test results and material performance, working with Quality and industrial teams to address 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 with 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 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.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in fabrics and materials research and development, preferably in 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 and ability to evaluate hand-feel, drape, color, finish and visual impact against 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, including the ability to manage multiple developments and priorities to demanding timelines.
• Collaborative, curious and solution-oriented approach, strong attention to detail and ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• Fluent English and Italian.
• Balance luxury aesthetics, hand-feel and creative intent with technical performance and industrial feasibility.
• Anticipate material risks and resolve quality or performance issues before bulk production.
• Manage multiple developments and approvals within demanding collection calendars.
• Build effective cross-functional partnerships and ensure a clear handover to RTW Industrial for commercial negotiations and supplier contracting.

Skills

Experience

At least 10 years in fabrics and materials research and development, preferably in luxury fashion, premium sportswear or technical outerwear.

Education

Degree or equivalent qualification in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Fashion/Textile Technology or a related field.

Compensation

The base compensation for this position is EUR 45,000 per annum.

Benefits

Annual target bonus under the applicable company-level collective agreement, up to 20% of gross annual salary; company canteen; supplementary health insurance; company welfare program.

Culture

Gucci fosters a creative, inclusive workplace where individuality, craftsmanship, and cultural curiosity are central to how teams collaborate. As an employer, the Maison encourages bold ideas and personal expression while maintaining a strong commitment to excellence, innovation, and responsible luxury.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.