Textile Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Manager, Textile Design

Company: FXI

Location: Aston, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Full-time Regular

Category: Product Development / Textile Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-11

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversees the end-to-end textile design lifecycle for mattress covers, from initial concept and trend forecasting to final commercial launch.

• Drives the creative and technical direction of FXI’s textile portfolio, ensuring designs align with brand identity and market demands.

• Translates consumer insights, brand strategy, and competitive analysis into innovative and manufacturable cover programs.

• Sets and maintains material, construction, and quality standards for fabrics, finishes, and sewn products.

• Collaborates extensively with cross-functional teams including Product Development, Sales, Marketing, R&D, Sourcing, Operations, and Quality Assurance to ensure successful product delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Product Development but has a strong emphasis on the specialized domain of Textile Design, specifically for soft goods like mattress covers. The "Manager" title suggests leadership responsibilities, including strategic direction and team influence, even if direct reports are not explicitly mentioned in the initial overview. The hybrid nature implies a need for strong self-management and effective remote collaboration tools.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the complete textile design cycle for mattress covers, encompassing concept development, trend analysis, material selection, prototyping, technical package creation, and commercialization.

• Develop and execute cover roadmaps that align with strategic business objectives for the mattress category.

• Define and document comprehensive textile technical packages, including detailed fabric specifications, construction and sewing standards, patterns, trim details, bills of materials, and colorways.

• Drive rigorous textile testing protocols to ensure durability, colorfastness, flammability, and other critical performance criteria are met for all cover programs.

• Qualify and manage relationships with mills and suppliers, ensuring they meet FXI's established material, construction, and quality standards.

• Integrate emerging materials, textile technologies, and contemporary design trends into the product development pipeline to maintain market competitiveness.

• Accountable for ensuring cover programs meet key performance indicators: aesthetics, hand-feel, fit, durability, manufacturability, cost targets, and development timelines.

• Facilitate the seamless transition of approved designs to production, providing essential support to sales and marketing teams through samples, sealed standards, and detailed product information.

• Conduct competitive analysis to identify market gaps and opportunities for innovative textile and cover solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a hands-on role with significant ownership over the technical and creative aspects of textile development. The emphasis on "owning" outcomes and driving processes suggests a need for strong initiative and problem-solving capabilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design, Textile Engineering, Product Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: 7+ years of progressive experience in textile or soft-goods design, with a strong preference for experience within the bedding, home textiles, furniture, or durable consumer goods industries.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of fabric construction principles for both knits and wovens.

• Expertise in textile finishes, color theory, trim selection, and sewn-product manufacturing processes.

• Proficiency in design and specification software, including Adobe Creative Suite, CAD (Computer-Aided Design), and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems.

• Proven ability to create and manage detailed technical packages and tech packs.

• Strong project management capabilities with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent programs and deadlines.

• Excellent aesthetic sensibility combined with a rigorous focus on quality and detail.

• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive consensus.

• Customer-centric mindset with a focus on translating consumer needs into design solutions.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.

• Entrepreneurial drive to innovate and propose novel textile and cover solutions.

• Comprehensive knowledge of textile testing standards, regulatory requirements (e.g., flammability), and principles of design for manufacturability. Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically within the mattress or bedding cover market.

• Familiarity with international textile sourcing and supplier management.

• Experience with advanced textile technologies or sustainable material development.

• Knowledge of industrial sewing and automated manufacturing processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 7+ years with a preference for specific industries, coupled with a Bachelor's degree, places this role at a mid-to-senior level within the design and product development hierarchy. The required skills highlight a blend of creative talent, technical expertise, and project management acumen essential for a design leadership role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of textile design projects showcasing a range of fabric constructions (knits, wovens), finishes, and color palettes, with a focus on soft goods or related industries.

• Detailed examples of technical packages (tech packs) created for sewn products, demonstrating clear specifications for materials, construction, and trims.

• Case studies illustrating the full product development lifecycle for textile-based products, from concept ideation through to commercialization.

• Demonstrations of how design decisions were informed by consumer insights, trend analysis, and performance requirements (e.g., durability, flammability).

• Evidence of collaboration with manufacturing and sourcing teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and cost-effective. Process Documentation:

• Documentation of the process used to translate design intent into detailed technical specifications.

• Examples of workflow management for managing multiple design projects simultaneously, including timelines and milestone tracking.

• Evidence of how textile testing and compliance requirements were integrated into the design and development process.

• Documentation of methods used for material research, trend forecasting, and supplier qualification.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is critical. It needs to go beyond just aesthetic samples to demonstrate a robust understanding of technical specifications, manufacturing constraints, and the entire product development lifecycle within the textile and soft-goods domain. The emphasis should be on showcasing problem-solving and a systematic approach to design execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Manager-level Textile Design role with 7+ years of experience in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, the estimated salary range is $90,000 - $130,000 annually. This estimate considers the required qualifications, responsibilities, and the hybrid work model.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Basic and optional life insurance coverage to provide financial security.

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage for income protection.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match, aiding in long-term financial planning.

• Tuition assistance program to support ongoing professional development and education.

• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care expenses, offering tax advantages.

Working Hours: The standard workweek is typically 40 hours. The hybrid schedule requires on-site presence on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, with flexibility for remote work on Wednesdays and Fridays. Standard business hours are expected, with potential for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on data from industry compensation surveys for similar roles in the Pennsylvania region, factoring in the specified experience level and management title. The benefits package is standard for a mid-to-large-sized US-based company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing of foam innovations, serving diverse markets including Bedding, Furniture, Industrial, Home & Office, Healthcare, and Transportation. FXI is a significant player in providing tailored foam solutions.

Company Size: FXI operates multiple manufacturing locations and a corporate headquarters, suggesting a medium to large enterprise with a substantial workforce, likely exceeding 1,000 employees globally.

Founded: Founded in 1967, FXI has a long-standing history and established presence in the foam industry, indicating a culture built on experience, stability, and continuous adaptation.

Team Structure:

• The Textile Design Manager reports to the Senior Director, Product Development, indicating a clear hierarchy within the product innovation and development function.

• This role requires extensive collaboration with various departments, including Sales, Marketing, R&D, Sourcing, Operations, and Quality Assurance, emphasizing a matrixed, cross-functional operational model.

• While direct reports are not mentioned, the "Manager" title suggests potential for future team leadership or management of external design resources/agencies. Methodology:

• FXI emphasizes innovation and tailored solutions, suggesting a process-driven approach that balances creativity with technical execution and customer needs.

• The company's focus on R&D implies a culture that values data-driven insights, material science, and continuous improvement in product performance and manufacturing efficiency.

• The hybrid work model points to a reliance on robust communication tools and a culture of trust and accountability for remote team members.

Company Website: https://www.fxi.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: FXI's long history and diverse market presence suggest a stable yet evolving company culture. The emphasis on "foam innovation" implies a commitment to R&D and problem-solving. The hybrid work arrangement indicates a modern approach to work-life balance, requiring strong self-discipline and communication skills from employees.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the Product Development and Design function. As a Manager, the individual is expected to lead specific product lines (mattress covers), drive strategic initiatives within their domain, and act as a subject matter expert. The scope involves end-to-end ownership from concept to commercialization, requiring a blend of creative vision and technical execution.

Reporting Structure: The Manager, Textile Design reports directly to the Senior Director, Product Development. This indicates a direct line of reporting within the product development hierarchy, with potential for exposure to higher-level strategic discussions and decision-making.

Operations Impact: The Textile Design Manager directly influences product differentiation, market appeal, and cost-effectiveness of FXI's mattress cover portfolio. Successful execution in this role contributes to brand perception, customer satisfaction, sales performance, and ultimately, the company's revenue and profitability through innovative and well-executed product offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Leadership: Potential to advance to Senior Manager or Director roles within Product Development or Textile Design, overseeing broader product categories or larger teams.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the future textile roadmap and innovation strategy for FXI's core markets.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Development of deeper expertise in areas like sourcing, manufacturing, quality assurance, and marketing through close collaboration.

• Industry Recognition: Potential to contribute to industry advancements through innovative material development or design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Manager" title, coupled with 7+ years of experience and direct reporting to a Senior Director, signifies a significant step in career progression. Growth opportunities are likely within leadership, strategic planning, and expanding domain expertise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, requiring a balance between on-site work at the Aston, PA facility and remote work. The on-site days (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday) suggest a need for in-person collaboration, access to physical resources (e.g., material libraries, prototyping labs), and team meetings.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Aston, Pennsylvania. This location likely houses product development teams, R&D facilities, and potentially administrative functions.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model necessitates a well-equipped home office setup for remote work days, emphasizing the need for reliable technology and internet connectivity.

• On-site, the workspace is expected to be collaborative, supporting interaction with cross-functional teams, designers, engineers, and product developers. Access to material samples, design software, and potentially lab equipment will be available.

• The environment likely fosters a blend of focused individual work (remote) and dynamic team collaboration (on-site), requiring adaptability and strong communication skills.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour workweek is anticipated. The hybrid schedule provides flexibility, allowing for remote work on Wednesdays and Fridays, which can be beneficial for deep work requiring fewer interruptions. However, flexibility to attend crucial meetings or address urgent issues on any given day may be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role requires candidates to be comfortable with both independent work and collaborative team environments, leveraging technology to bridge the gap between on-site and remote interactions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's technical and creative requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focusing on your background, design philosophy, experience with textile development, and understanding of the soft-goods industry. Expect questions about your approach to trend translation and material innovation.

• Cross-Functional Panel Interview: You will likely meet with key stakeholders from Product Development, R&D, Sourcing, and possibly Marketing/Sales. This stage assesses your collaboration style, ability to communicate technical details, and understanding of business objectives. Portfolio presentations may be required here.

• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you present selected projects from your portfolio, detailing your process, challenges, solutions, and impact. This is a critical opportunity to showcase your expertise in textile design, technical specification, and commercialization.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., VP of Product Development) to assess strategic fit, leadership potential, and overall cultural alignment with FXI.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your skills in textile design, fabric construction, technical package development, and problem-solving relevant to soft goods and bedding.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate your design process, including research, ideation, material selection, prototyping, testing, and commercialization challenges. Use visual aids effectively.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, highlight the results of your designs – e.g., improved performance metrics, cost savings, successful market launches, positive customer feedback.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your designs, including fabric properties, manufacturing considerations, and compliance requirements.

• Tailor to FXI: Research FXI's product lines and markets. Highlight projects that align with their business and demonstrate an understanding of their needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be given a hypothetical design challenge related to developing a new mattress cover material or improving an existing one, requiring you to outline your approach and key considerations.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss how you would address specific technical issues in fabric development, manufacturing, or testing.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Prepare to explain how you would communicate design intent and technical specifications to non-design stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely multi-stage to thoroughly evaluate both creative and technical competencies, as well as the candidate's ability to collaborate within a complex organizational structure. A strong, relevant portfolio is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for visual design, mood boards, pattern creation, and presentation materials. Proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator is expected.

• CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Software: Used for technical drawings, pattern making, and potentially 3D rendering of textile designs. Specific software may vary but familiarity with industry-standard CAD tools is key.

• PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) Systems: Crucial for managing product data, specifications, revisions, and workflows throughout the development process. Experience with PLM is highly desirable for efficient product lifecycle management.

• Tech-Pack Systems/Software: Tools or standardized formats for creating detailed technical packages that communicate design specifications to manufacturers.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a design role, understanding how to interpret performance data from textile testing (e.g., durability reports, flammability test results) is important.

• Familiarity with tools that can visualize trend data or market insights might be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not typically a direct tool for Textile Designers, but understanding how CRM data might inform design briefs (e.g., customer feedback on existing products) could be advantageous.

• Automation tools might be relevant for streamlining aspects of technical package creation or data management within a PLM system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack for this role revolves around design creation and technical specification tools. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, CAD, and PLM systems is critical for managing the design and development pipeline effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A commitment to exploring new materials, technologies, and design approaches to create differentiated products.

• Quality & Performance: Upholding high standards for fabric durability, aesthetics, and functionality, ensuring products meet rigorous testing requirements.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals and successful product launches.

• Customer Focus: Designing with an understanding of consumer needs, preferences, and market trends to deliver desirable and impactful products.

• Efficiency & Manufacturability: Balancing creative vision with practical considerations of cost, production feasibility, and timely delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role necessitates seamless interaction with Product Development, R&D, Sourcing, Operations, Sales, and Marketing. Expect regular meetings, shared project management platforms, and joint problem-solving sessions.

• Design Advocacy: The ability to clearly articulate design intent and technical specifications to diverse audiences, ensuring buy-in and understanding across departments.

• Feedback & Iteration: An open approach to receiving and providing constructive feedback throughout the design and development process to refine products.

• Data-Informed Design: Utilizing market research, consumer insights, and performance data to guide design decisions and justify choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: FXI's culture likely values a blend of creative problem-solving and disciplined execution. The emphasis on innovation, quality, and cross-functional teamwork suggests an environment where designers are integral to the business strategy and product success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics and Performance: The primary challenge will be to create visually appealing and trend-relevant covers that also meet stringent technical requirements for durability, safety (flammability), and manufacturability.

• Cost Constraints: Developing innovative textile solutions within defined cost parameters, requiring strong negotiation and sourcing skills.

• Supply Chain Dynamics: Navigating global supply chains for textiles, managing lead times, and ensuring consistent quality from mills and suppliers.

• Rapid Trend Cycles: Staying ahead of evolving consumer preferences and industry trends in a fast-paced market like bedding and home textiles.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring all stakeholders (Sales, Marketing, R&D, Operations) are aligned on design direction and technical specifications throughout the development process.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Material Science: Deepening knowledge of emerging textile technologies, sustainable materials, and performance-enhancing finishes.

• Global Sourcing & Supply Chain Management: Gaining expertise in international supplier relations, negotiation, and logistics.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Mastery: Becoming an expert user and potential administrator of PLM systems for enhanced process efficiency.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead project teams, and develop strategic planning skills for the textile portfolio.

• Industry Trends & Conferences: Attending relevant trade shows and conferences (e.g., Heimtextil, Texworld) to stay abreast of global textile innovations and market directions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex product development challenges and grow into a strategic leader within the textile and product development space, leveraging both technical and soft skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How do you approach translating broad market trends into specific textile designs for a product category like mattresses?"

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting demands from different departments (e.g., Sales wanting a specific look, R&D concerned about performance) during a product development cycle. How did you resolve it?"

• "Walk us through your process for creating a technical package for a new textile product. What are the critical elements you ensure are included?"

• "How do you stay current with textile innovations, emerging materials, and sustainable practices in the industry?"

• "How would you approach qualifying a new mill or supplier to ensure they can meet FXI's quality and technical standards?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what do you see as FXI's key strengths in the foam and textile market?"

• "How do you see your design philosophy aligning with FXI's commitment to innovation and tailored solutions?"

• "Describe your ideal team environment for a hybrid work setting. How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration?"

• "How do you measure the success of your textile designs beyond aesthetics?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing a complete product lifecycle. Start with an overview of FXI's business and tailor your examples accordingly.

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a compelling story that highlights the problem, your creative and technical solution, the challenges faced, and the final outcome or impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images, renderings, and samples (if possible) to showcase your work. Clearly label technical details.

• Technical Detail: Be prepared to discuss material properties, construction methods, testing protocols, and manufacturing considerations in detail.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, alternatives considered, and how you handle feedback or design revisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative vision, technical expertise, project management skills, and a collaborative, business-oriented mindset. The portfolio presentation is a critical component for showcasing practical application of skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Textile Design Manager position:

• Submit your resume and a comprehensive portfolio through the FXI careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio highlights relevant projects in textile design, soft goods, and product development, showcasing your technical package creation and problem-solving skills.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "textile design," "fabric construction," "product development," "technical packages," "Adobe Creative Suite," "PLM," and "project management." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical knowledge, and collaborative approach. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to present your portfolio effectively.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research FXI's products, markets, and recent news. Understand their commitment to innovation and customer solutions to demonstrate alignment during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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