Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization
We’ll never launch a product unless we consider it perfect. Our product development teams create every shirt, every shoe and every piece of equipment for thousands of athletes and fashion lovers as if it was one of a kind.
As Developer Accessories & Gear, you will drive the end-to-end development process for assigned low to medium complexity products from concept brief to production readiness and assist in making the development of medium to high complexity products. You will work in strong partnership with product marketing, design, planning and suppliers.
Key Responsibilities
- Take accountability for the entire accessories and gear development management process for assigned products, with emphasis on product integrity, engineering and timely completion.
- Apply sport-specific understanding to enhance product performance.
- Manage fit approval and size specification processes, lead fit and review meetings, and make decisions on workmanship and construction.
- Analyze designs for manufacturability, production and material properties, and provide technical solutions.
- Manage handover of design packs to Tier 1 suppliers and comments to Tier 1.
- Maintain correct materials, costing, lifecycle and technical data in Creation Portal and Material Lifecycle Management systems.
- Research market and supplier innovation in product construction, pattern, fit, embellishment and trims.
- Review, validate and approve Tier 1 costing information, secure FOB cost quotes, follow up on price adjustments and negotiate final costs as needed.
- Ensure fabrics, trims, colors, processes and development samples meet adidas quality and testing standards.
- Manage quality and process escalations with the senior manager as needed.
- Review size sets, sealing samples and complete article documentation before buy-ready dates.
- Ensure conformity with published policies and accuracy, completeness and timeliness of system data.
- Achieve assigned product KPIs, including FOB, sustainability and on-time Sales & Marketing Sample delivery.
Key Relationships
Product Design, Product Marketing, Product Operations, Sourcing and Tier 1 suppliers.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Basic knowledge of material construction, product construction, manufacturing and related testing.
- Basic knowledge of wear and physical product testing.
- Ability to fit a garment and communicate required changes to Tier 1 suppliers.
- Basic costing knowledge and ability to negotiate as required.
- Effective communication and negotiation skills.
- English language proficiency required.
- Strong IT skills, including MS Office, and ability to work with product data management systems.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
- First project management skills are an advantage.
Requisite Education and Experience
University degree in clothing technology or manufacturing, or a technical degree as an apparel technician. Alternatively, a combination of relevant education, experience and training. First practical experience through internships or work experience is required.
Culture
At adidas, employees are encouraged to demonstrate courage, ownership, innovation, teamplay, integrity and respect. adidas is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and fostering a culture of belonging.