Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization
Represent the business unit(s) for the assigned suppliers and oversee that key milestones of the product creation process are met between creation centres (CC) and suppliers.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure that suppliers meet all key milestones and KPIs of the physical and virtual product creation process on time and with quality for defined categories.
- Support the escalation of issues that cannot be resolved by the creation centre and supplier.
- Understand and implement transfer policies, ensuring product integrity, including quality, aesthetics, and cost, is maintained throughout the process with minimal or no delay to production timing.
- Ensure physical and virtual prototypes are developed and engineered with a focus on productivity and manufacturing efficiency without compromising product quality.
- Ensure supplier-created virtual prototypes accurately represent the designer’s intent and that physical production aligns with the approved virtual prototype.
- Build category-specific capabilities within internal and supplier teams and act as the category spokesperson in the supplier group or operating committee.
- Work with manufacturers and suppliers on continuous upgrades to technical applications and processes, including developing and implementing new technologies.
- Drive effective teamwork by coaching and supporting internal and supplier team members to develop their skills and capabilities.
Key Relationships
Suppliers; Brand Operations; Costing; Planning; Materials; Transport & Logistics.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Management experience, including leading, developing, and motivating people and building effective teams.
- Strong understanding of apparel manufacturing.
- Basic 3D knowledge and skills in virtual sample creation and engineering.
- Good understanding of costing principles.
- Effective communication and negotiation skills.
- Fluent English, written and verbal.
Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications
- Four-year college or university degree.
- At least five years of related work experience in the apparel industry in a technical capacity, with managerial 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.