Purpose
A key player in PD&S in driving to be the Most Agile, Most Competitive, Most Innovative & Sustainable Supply Base in the industry. Lead the team in researching and developing innovative concepts (FTW, APP or A&G), ensuring alignment with BU-specific deliverables, full integrity, and on-time execution.
Develop and formalize product concepts by leveraging industry-leading manufacturing processes, while assessing and clearly communicating their readiness level and scalability potential. Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders to deliver the greatest impact for the brand. Collaborate closely with the cross-functional Product Development & Sourcing and Headquarters Innovation teams to ensure a seamless transition into the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Build key relationships with HQ concept leads, authenticate BU-specific category know-how, and engage in range planning and marketing strategy.
- Lead product concept teams co-located at designated LO/Tier 1 regional Innovation Centers.
- Lead exploration and development, sustainable material integration, and product costing management, ensuring products exceed expectations for fit, comfort, design integrity, performance, perceived value, manufacturability, and quality.
- Make decisions within the defined product integrity, manufacturability, and quality scope, including joint product decisions and final calls where authorized.
- Set direction for development areas focused on Innovate to Value, Product Integrity, Manufacturability, and Efficiency for designated factory groups.
- Manage relationships with factory heads of innovation and influence suppliers to achieve continuous upgrades in technical applications, development innovation, and manufacturing technologies.
- Work directly with Factory Management on factory personnel skill evaluation and development.
- Prepare business cases and presentations for factories, and influence Marketing, Design, and Brand Operations in product direction and execution through product and manufacturing expertise.
- Take accountability for development and engineering transition of centrally developed projects into other Liaison Offices.
- Use exceptional product knowledge and understanding of target consumers to influence product direction across assigned Development Centers.
- Act as Product Creation Master by coaching, training, and upgrading product, engineering, Innovate to Value, and technical problem-solving capabilities.
- Ensure sourcing operations comply with adidas’ Responsible Sourcing & Purchasing Policy, adidas standards, and legal requirements.
- Develop and coach the team to ensure strong performance, appropriate skills, and succession plans.
- Role model leadership to foster a culture of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
Key Relationships
Product Development & Sourcing; Global Brands – Creative Direction & Innovation; Sourcing Suppliers; and Global Functions teams including HR, Finance, IT, and Legal.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Depth and breadth of experience in product creation and product engineering, with strong product judgment.
- Strong leadership ability in leading multidimensional teams.
- Strong influencing, people, presentation, and communication skills.
- Fluent in English and the local language, written and spoken.
- Strong Microsoft Office and AI skills.
Education and Experience
- University degree in Product or Material Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related area.
- Minimum 10+ years of relevant experience and experience in at least two other functions.
- 3+ years of people management experience.
Adidas Culture
Adidas fosters an athlete’s mindset through courage, ownership, innovation, teamplay, integrity, and respect. The company emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of its culture and talent processes.