Manager Material Development and R&D, Apparel

Manage the sourcing and development of fabrics/trims, which support the team’s strategic direction to elevate product and establish commercial success. Ensure materials meet calendar timelines, target prices, sourcing policy, quality standards, as well as efficiency and sustainability targets. Focus on providing novel concepts and process within development, innovation, and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Be the key contact and consultant for all material related questions for all internal partners.
• Lead all cross-functional discussions related to materials topics, steer the material selection process, drive material consolidation to improve material efficiency, and provide technical information for key innovative topics

• Build and maintain a close relationship with interfaces such as Design, Creation Center Product Development, Material Sourcing, Quality and Suppliers
• Ensure availability of correct materials data in MLM (technical data, cost, toolbox, lifecycle)
• Identify suitable sources for new material developments (aligned with material sourcing strategy) and guide suppliers to translate the design vision into new, innovative material which meet commercial needs of the brand
• Present new material concepts and selections each season, combining ideas from market trends, brand initiatives, and design/marketing briefs
• Initiate and monitor all material developments (work together with suppliers, Sourcing, Quality and Creation Center Development) and be responsible for initial material price negotiations with suppliers (direct development) during development stage
• Ensure that all selected materials are tested and approved by Materials Quality in accordance with applicable calendar timelines
• Cooperate with cross-functional team to create a focused material toolbox and coach the cross-functional team on how to improve material efficiencies and build key stories
• Set up and maintain the materials library and work on continuously improving the setup and tools for the product creation teams
• Provide latest information on material trends to the respective Business Units/categories by gathering input from relevant materials fairs, supplier meetings, apparel community and brand concepts. Build applicable concepts and stories for team proposals.
• Work with cross-functional teams to identify long term innovation projects and execute material development through established timelines, costing, performance benefits, quality, and sustainability.

Key Relationships:

• Marketing

• Design
• Sourcing
• POPS (Creation Center Development, Costing)
• Suppliers T2
• Horizontal Team (AC, Sustainability)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Advanced communication skills, especially when interacting with different levels of business
• Ability to create, plan and effectively deliver presentations in formal and informal settings
• Ability to anticipate problems, offers solutions, and address issues with materials in order to meet the Design team’s aesthetic goals and financial targets
• Ability to cope with change, make decisions and act comfortably with risk and uncertainty
• Ability to work independently or with limited guidance
• Ability to accept and meet critical deadlines with good planning and organization skills
• Fluent English (verbal and written)
• Strong IT skills (e-mail, MS office)
• Domestic and International Travel as required

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:

• Four year college or university degree in textile engineering or comparable degree/education/ experience
• Minimum of 2-3 years work experience in the fabric production industry (knowledge of manufacturing process, fabrics, mechanical and chemical treatments)

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at adidas means championing individual uniqueness and cultivating a culture of belonging in which everyone can create at their best. We embrace diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and seek to create a workforce that reflects our consumers and communities.
• adidas offers robust and progressive medical, including HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer funding or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) options, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, adoption, with surrogate and fertility support, short and long-term disability, and basic life and AD&D insurance, which can be supplemented with employee-paid coverage. Employees are able to enroll in adidas’ 401k plan and Stock Purchase Plan with employer match. Full-time employees are eligible for education assistance and generous Leave policies including 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Employees are eligible to earn an annual bonus based on both company and personal performance. Employees accrue prorated flexible time off in the amount .4388. hours per day that increases with years of service, 20 days. paid holidays throughout the calendar year and Service Time Off during milestone years.
• The anticipated low and high end of the base pay range for this position is $ 142,560.00 – $95,040.00. Actual salary will be based on various factors, such as a candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills and competencies, proficiency for the role.
• We are in office in a hybrid work environment, working 3 days in office and 2 days remote. The working location of this position is Carlsbad California.
• Though our teammates hail from all corners of the world, our working language is English.

Source ⇲