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 Manager, Materials Development Apparel, you will contribute to the apparel material development process by ensuring the availability of fabrics, trims and prints that support strategic marketing and design direction. You will find and develop materials according to calendar timelines, target prices, sourcing policy and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Be the key contact and consultant for material-related questions across internal interfaces.
- Lead cross-functional discussions related to materials, steer material selection and drive material consolidation.
- Build relationships with Design, Creation Center Product Development, Material Sourcing, Quality and suppliers.
- Ensure the availability and accuracy of materials data in internal systems.
- Identify sources for new material developments according to sourcing strategy and garment allocation.
- Guide Tier 2 suppliers in translating design visions into innovative materials that meet commercial needs.
- Initiate and monitor seasonal material developments and conduct initial material price negotiations.
- Ensure selected materials are tested and released by Materials Quality according to adidas standards.
- Develop a focused material toolbox and improve material efficiencies.
- Consolidate and verify the materials library and encourage material sharing.
- Provide material trend research to business units and categories.
- Work with horizontal teams to translate innovation and sustainability concepts into business plans.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Powerful communication and presentation skills.
- Strong influencing skills and a solution-oriented mindset.
- Strong knowledge of the apparel creation process and material-related issues.
- Good planning and organization skills, with the ability to multitask.
- English language proficiency.
- Strong IT skills, including email and Microsoft Office; experience with material databases and reporting tools preferred.
- Experience with 3D creation processes preferred.
- Continuous learning and growth mindset.
Education and Experience
- College or university degree, or comparable education, in textile engineering or a related field.
- Minimum five years of relevant experience in material development or an associated field.
Work Policy
adidas offers a hybrid work policy requiring attendance in the office Monday through Thursday, with flexibility to work remotely on Friday. In-office attendance is required for work involving a high degree of collaboration or an in-person presentation.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation is determined by experience, qualifications, skills, competencies and role proficiency. Employees are eligible for an annual bonus based on company and personal performance. Eligible full-time employees may receive medical, dental, vision, prescription, disability, life insurance, retirement, stock purchase, education assistance, paid leave, paid holidays, flexible time off, product discounts and wellness benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity
adidas is an equal opportunity employer that values diverse perspectives, experiences and backgrounds and considers qualified applicants without regard to protected characteristics.