Do you want to make a real impact on the materials that move millions of people?
The Jr. Material Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the sole material development process. This position requires a blend of technical knowledge, innovation, continuous learning, and hands-on experience with various sole materials used in footwear manufacturing. You will work closely with senior material experts, design and commercial teams, suppliers, and production to ensure the selection and implementation of high-quality, innovative materials that meet performance, sustainability, and aesthetic standards.
This is a 15‑month maternity cover position running from 1 June 2026, with the possibility of transitioning into a permanent role.
Chart the future of footwear
As a Jr. Material Specialist, you will be an integrated part of the sole material development team, supporting senior colleagues throughout the development process from first supplier interactions to material approval and product introduction. You will research emerging materials, technologies, and industry trends, help develop and introduce new sole materials and concepts, and contribute to innovative solutions and processes that enhance performance. Over time, you will build a deep understanding of various footwear materials such as PU, RU, TPU, SCF, EVA, while also helping to establish a physical innovation area for sole materials.
Your main tasks in this role:
- Support senior team members from early supplier interactions throughout material approval and product introduction.
- Conduct research on emerging materials, technologies, and trends in the footwear industry.
- Help develop and introduce new sole materials and concepts into ECCO products.
- Contribute to ideation, new techniques, and processes that enhance material properties and performance.
- Assist in identifying root causes of material defects, inconsistencies, or processing challenges.
In addition to these responsibilities, you will also collaborate closely with universities and research institutes.
Elevate your career within footwear material and design
The Jr. Material Specialist role is a great opportunity for someone excited about materials science and footwear design to help develop cutting-edge products that blend performance, style, and sustainability.
These are the qualifications we imagine you have, if you’re a trailblazer:
- Min. Bachelor's degree in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Engineering.
- Strong passion for footwear and materials innovation.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret technical data and test results.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.
Bring your curiosity, and we’ll help you grow your expertise
We will invite candidates for interviews on an ongoing basis, so do not hesitate to apply.
For additional information, you can reach out to Sophia Sachse, Head of Sole Material Development, at +45 52 34 25 25.
Imagining yourself at ECCO? Get a glimpse of what your new exciting career entails on https://enter.ecco.com.
CREATE THE FOOTPRINTS OF TOMORROW
Join us and you become part of a meaningful, developing and multicultural workplace with colleagues who are proud to create the footprints of tomorrow. Our offices and facilities around the world have an informal culture and relaxed dress code – our shoe code is slightly stricter.
Are you curious, passionate and ready to make an impact? Then you’ll fit right in.