Purpose & overall relevance for the organisation
Lead the cross-functional Innovation apparel incubation team and all apparel innovative initiatives across adidas Innovation. Drive the development of groundbreaking apparel products from conceptualization to products being worn by top athletes during the world’s biggest moments in sport, driving industry trends and delivering performance-enhancing athlete opportunities.
Orchestrate cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of innovation apparel projects aligned with adidas’ innovation mission and vision, brand direction, and business objectives.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the strategic planning and execution of innovative apparel initiatives, including product ideation, research, development, and launch.
- Monitor emerging trends, technologies, and materials in the apparel industry and integrate relevant advancements into product development strategies.
- Cooperate closely with Innovation and partner functions, including Business Unit key stakeholders, to drive strategies, concepts, and projects for sport categories and horizontal initiatives.
- Foster a culture of innovation within the apparel incubation team, encouraging creativity, risk-taking, and continuous improvement.
- Orchestrate collaboration between design, development, engineering, science, and manufacturing teams.
- Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with external vendors, research institutions, and industry experts.
- Oversee budgets, timelines, and resources for apparel innovation projects.
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to cross-functional professionals.
Key relationships
Innovation Teams including Innovation SLT, Creative Direction, Business Units including key stakeholders, Sports Marketing, Athlete Servicing, and adidas athletes.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Practical experience in textile manufacturing or engineering, including management experience focused on apparel innovation.
- Comprehensive knowledge of product manufacturing and the athletics market and its culture.
- Proven success leading apparel innovation initiatives, with at least five years in a senior leadership role within the apparel industry.
- Extensive knowledge of apparel design, materials, manufacturing processes, and industry trends.
- Experience integrating sustainable practices into apparel product development.
- Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
- Strategic thinking and the ability to translate market insights and consumer preferences into innovative product concepts.
- Ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and timelines.
- Collaborative mindset and passion for driving innovation.
Required education and experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design, Textile Engineering, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field; an advanced degree is preferred, or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in the apparel industry.
- At least five years of experience leading teams.
Culture and inclusion
adidas promotes 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.