Manager Materials Development - Golf

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization

The Manager, Materials Development develops, sources and commercializes materials for the global adidas Golf Accessories range, with primary focus on accessories and trim, golf bags, gloves and related products. The role ensures materials meet product intent, performance, quality, cost, sustainability, compliance and timing requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate product and design briefs into clear material requirements for assigned Accessories products.
• Identify, source, develop and commercialize textiles, synthetics, leathers, foams, linings, reinforcements, coatings, trims and other relevant materials.
• Manage material development from concept and sampling through testing, approval, costing, color confirmation and production readiness.
• Maintain accurate material specifications, supplier information, test results, approvals and system data.
• Coordinate laboratory and field testing for durability, abrasion, water resistance, colorfastness, grip, hand feel, weight and other product-relevant properties.
• Resolve material quality, color, cost, lead-time and availability issues with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Ensure materials comply with adidas standards, restricted substances requirements and applicable legal and sustainability expectations.
• Build productive relationships with suppliers, mills, tanneries, component partners and Sourcing.
• Identify new material technologies and supplier capabilities relevant to golf bags, gloves and Accessories.
• Own material recommendations, specifications, development tracking and readiness for assigned Accessories products.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong materials development knowledge across textiles, synthetics, leathers, foams, coatings, trims or related soft-goods materials.
• Understanding of material testing, quality, color, costing, lead times and commercialization.
• Strong supplier communication, problem solving and project management.
• Accurate technical documentation and product-system discipline.
• Knowledge of bags, gloves or accessories manufacturing preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

• University degree in Materials Science, Textile Engineering, Product Development or a related field, or equivalent technical experience.
• 4+ years of relevant materials development, sourcing, testing or commercialization experience.
• Experience working with suppliers and cross-functional product creation teams.
• Ability to travel to suppliers and creation partners as required.
• Fluent English, written and spoken.

Benefits and Work Policy

adidas offers medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, disability, life insurance, 401(k), stock purchase, education assistance, paid parental leave, bonuses and paid time off. The anticipated base pay range is $99,500–$120,500. This is a hybrid role requiring office attendance Monday through Thursday, with flexibility to work remotely on Friday.