Position Overview
At adidas, we never launch a product unless we consider it perfect. Our product creation teams combine creativity, craftsmanship, innovation, and technical expertise to develop every product with purpose and precision.
As Senior Manager, Materials Development (Apparel), you will lead the end-to-end development and availability of innovative apparel materials that support strategic design and marketing direction. You will ensure materials meet product creation timelines, target costs, sourcing strategies, quality standards, and commercial requirements.
You will lead collaboration across Design, Product Development, Sourcing, Quality, Sustainability, Advanced Creation, suppliers, and global partners. Through strong technical expertise and informed decision-making, you will translate creative vision into commercially viable material solutions while proactively managing development risks.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead apparel material development and guide material decisions from development through commercialization.
- Drive material selection, consolidation, and sharing opportunities while supporting product, design, quality, and commercial requirements.
- Collaborate with Design, Product Development, Material Sourcing, Quality, Sustainability, Advanced Creation, Materials teams, and other partners.
- Identify appropriate sources for new material developments in alignment with sourcing strategy and global supplier capabilities.
- Guide Tier 2 fabric mills and trim suppliers in developing innovative, commercially viable material solutions.
- Initiate and monitor seasonal material developments, including initial price negotiations and prototype sampling yardage bookings.
- Ensure materials, composites, and components are tested and released according to timelines and adidas quality standards.
- Lead material-related risk analysis and proactive mitigation activities.
- Ensure accurate material information in internal systems and develop reporting on material usage and performance.
- Drive continuous improvement of global material development processes, workflows, and material libraries.
- Partner with horizontal teams and IT owners on material development systems and reporting tools.
- Manage material development calendars and milestones within Product Creation Calendars.
- Manage invoice handling for fabric development and prototype development bookings.
- Provide research and insights on emerging material trends.
- Translate innovation and sustainability concepts into actionable business plans.
- Represent Materials Development in global cross-functional initiatives and leadership-level discussions.
- Support and mentor junior team members and new employees.
Required Qualifications
- College or university degree in engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, textile engineering, or a related field, or equivalent relevant education and experience.
- At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in material development or a related field.
- Advanced knowledge of product creation and material development processes.
- Strong communication, presentation, influencing, stakeholder management, planning, and organizational skills.
- Experience leading projects, process improvements, or organizational change.
- Strong analytical and solution-oriented decision-making abilities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant material database, administration, and reporting tools.
- English proficiency and ability to travel for business as required.
Preferred Experience
- Experience developing apparel materials such as synthetics, films, knits, trims, injected materials, or related technologies.
- Experience working with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers in a global product creation or sourcing environment.
- Experience with material innovation, sustainability, material consolidation, and supplier capability development.
- Experience working across global Creation Centers and distributed cross-functional teams.
- Familiarity with 3D product creation and digital material development tools.
- Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance.
Work Environment
This position follows adidas' hybrid work policy and is based in Los Angeles, California. Employees are expected to work in the office Monday through Thursday, with flexibility to work remotely on Friday. In-office attendance may also be required on Fridays when collaboration or an in-person presentation is needed. Business travel is required as needed.
Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated base pay range is $129,900–$149,500. Actual salary depends on experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and role proficiency. Employees may also earn an annual bonus based on company and personal performance.
- Medical, dental, vision, prescription, HSA, and FSA options.
- Adoption, surrogate, and fertility support programs.
- Disability and life insurance coverage.
- 401(k) and Stock Purchase Plan options with employer contributions or matching.
- Education assistance for eligible full-time employees.
- Paid parental and other eligible leave programs.
- Flexible time off and company-designated paid holidays.
- Employee product discounts, wellness programs, and Employee Assistance programs.
Equal Employment Opportunity
adidas is an equal opportunity employer committed to respect, collaboration, inclusion, and opportunity. The company considers all qualified applicants without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.