Senior Manager, Materials Scouting

Purpose

Lead material scouting and adoption initiatives across Asia. Drive validation of new material concepts and manage pilot programs, bridging materials capability gaps across the region while balancing opportunities and risks in line with the strategic objectives of the Material Sourcing team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead material technology scouting initiatives to identify and validate innovative concepts that enhance product development capabilities.
• Strengthen regional material scouting capabilities across the industry, supporting multi-sourcing flexibility and supply chain resilience.
• Lead validation of new material concepts and generate advanced material technologies through research and implementation.
• Drive material scouting pilot programs at selected Tier 2, 3 and 4 suppliers to test and scale new material concepts.
• Benchmark industry standards and analyse products and market trends to inform material sourcing and development decisions.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and assigned projects to support brand strategic objectives.
• Maintain relationships with material suppliers, industry partners and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure sourcing operations comply with adidas’ Responsible Sourcing & Purchasing Policy, adidas standards and legal requirements.

Key Relationships

HQ material teams, Tier 2/3/4 suppliers, material planning, material operations, material innovation scaling, sustainability, and manufacturing innovation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Apparel and materials industry expertise.
• Strong project management, problem-solving, communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to network and collaborate with multiple stakeholders.
• Fluent written and spoken English.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Textile Engineering or another material-related field.
• Seven or more years of apparel materials development experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Culture and Inclusion

adidas fosters an athlete’s mindset through courage, ownership, innovation, teamplay, integrity and respect. The company is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and to building a culture where employees feel a sense of belonging.