Manager, Product Development & Commercialization - Footwear (OA3)

Purpose

A key player in Global Sourcing in driving Sourcing’s vision to be the Most Agile, Most Competitive, Most Digitalized & Cleanest Supply Base in the industry. Drive for development, commercialization, product integrity, manufacturability, Create to Value (CTV), performance to target FOB of assigned projects / category(ies).

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the development and commercialization process of assigned products in collaboration with Tier1 factory personnel and technical teams.
• Provide specific technical expertise to ensure effective transition of design into samples and production while ensuring manufacturability, material selection, material standards, development timeline and cost to target are met.
• Manage a continuous upgrade of technical applications and processes and implementation of new technology in development and engineering.
• Supervise the direct development process between Headquarter / Creation Center and Tier 1 factory, ensuring that the Create to Value approach and product integrity are the paramount priorities.
• Influence HQ and external parties and drive change using principle-centered versus policy-driven approaches, with adidas standards as the focus in managing and solving conflicts.
• Make day-to-day decisions within defined scope and escalate complex issues or potential business or manufacturing impacts.
• Execute defined directives.
• Ensure sourcing operations and practices comply with adidas’ Responsible Sourcing & Purchasing Policy, adidas standards and legal requirements.
• Role-model leadership to foster a culture of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Key Relationships

Global Sourcing, Global Brands, Global Operations, other global functions, and external sourcing suppliers including Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and expertise in product engineering and development/commercialization processes and timelines.
• Ability to identify problems and provide solutions to development and commercialization issues.
• Good knowledge of manufacturing processes, product testing processes and evaluation, and material types.
• Ability to read shell patterns, 2D and 3D blueprints, BOM / CBD, FCT, and related documentation.
• Understanding of costing principles and processes, including product cost breakdowns.
• Creative mindset.
• Strong influencing, presentation and communication skills.
• Fluent English, written and spoken.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.

Requisite Education and Experience

• University degree in engineering or related areas.
• Minimum 5+ years of relevant business experience.
• Experience in pattern engineering, product creation, mold making, grading, materials processing, or related areas.

Culture

At adidas, employees are encouraged to demonstrate courage, ownership, innovation, teamplay, integrity, and respect. The company emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of its culture and talent processes.