Manager Development Apparel - Football - Temp until 31.12.2027 (m/f/d)

As Manager Development Apparel, you will lead the end-to-end development process for assigned medium-complexity football apparel products from concept brief to production readiness. You will partner with pattern and material experts, product marketing, design, sourcing, innovation, operations, and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the complete apparel development process, ensuring product integrity, engineering quality, and timely completion.
• Apply sport-specific understanding to enhance product performance.
• Manage fit approval and size specifications, lead fitting meetings, and make decisions on workmanship and construction.
• Analyze designs for manufacturability, production, and material properties, providing technical solutions.
• Manage the handover of design packs to Tier 1 suppliers and provide technical guidance on manufacturing efficiency.
• Research and implement innovations in garment construction, pattern, fit, embellishment, and trims.
• Review and approve costing information, secure FOB quotes, and ensure adherence to adidas costing standards.
• Ensure fabrics, trims, colors, processes, and development samples meet adidas quality and testing standards.
• Review and sign off sealing samples and related documentation before buy-ready dates.
• Maintain accurate and timely product data and deliver KPIs including on-time buy-ready, target FOB, margins, sustainability, SMS delivery, and CR2 finalization.
• Share knowledge, mentor junior team members, and support cross-functional projects.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of material construction, garment manufacturing, costing, and product testing.
• Ability to fit garments and communicate required changes to Tier 1 suppliers.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Strong MS Office and product data management system skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Qualifications

University degree in clothing technology or manufacturing, or a technical degree as an apparel technician. A combination of relevant education, experience, and training may also be considered. Minimum two years of relevant experience in apparel product development.

adidas is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds.