KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Product Design
• Product Marketing
• Product Operations (Product Development, Materials Development, Pattern Making, Testing & Quality, Costing, Planning)
• Sourcing
• Tier 1 & Tier 2 suppliers

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Advanced knowledge of material construction and related testing
• Advanced knowledge of wear and physical product testing
• Advanced knowledge of product construction and manufacturing
• Ability to fit a product and comment to Tier 1 on changes required
• Advanced knowledge of costing and ability to negotiate as required
• Effective communication and negotiation skills
• Fluent in English (written and spoken)
• Strong IT skills (MS Office) and ability to work with Product Data Management Systems
• Domestic and International Travel as required
• Solid to advanced project management skills required

REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree in clothing technology or manufacturing, or technical degree as apparel technician.
• Alternatively, combination of relevant education, experience, and training.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience in product development.

PURPOSE & OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANIZATION

We’ll never launch a product unless we consider it perfect. Our product development teams create every shirt, every shoe and every piece of equipment for thousands of athletes and fashion lovers as if it was one of a kind. And it truly is, as they weave their passion into every single product. But translating designs, drawings and renderings into real products requires a lot of decision making.
As Manager Development Accessories & Gear, you will lead the end-to-end development process for assigned medium to high complexity products from concept brief to production readiness and assist in making the development of high complexity products. You will work in strong partnership with product marketing, design, planning and suppliers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Take accountability for the entire A&G development management process for assigned products, with an emphasis on product integrity, product engineering and timely completion of all tasks in accordance with the corporate operating calendar. Apply sport-specific understanding to enhance product performance.
• Manage fit approval and size specification process, lead fitting meeting and take decisions on workmanship and construction.
• Provide technical solutions by analyzing designs for manufacturability, production and material properties which address desired function and market appeal.
• Manage handover of design pack to Tier 1 to ensure that all technical information provided to Tier 1 is complete.
• Act as technical expert and guide/consult design and product marketing on Tier 1 manufacturing efficiency suggestions. Manage comments to Tier 1.
• Ensure availability of correct materials data in Creation Portal / Material Lifecycle Management (MLM) (technical data, cost, toolbox, lifecycle).
• Identify suitable sources for new trim developments and guide suppliers to translate the design vision into new, innovative material & trim which meet commercial needs of the brand.
• Initiate and monitor all trim developments (work together with suppliers, Sourcing, Quality).
• Be responsible for initial material/trim price negotiations with suppliers during development stage.
• Research innovation from market or suppliers regarding product construction, pattern, fit, embellishment, and trims.
• Review, validate and approve Tier 1 costing information to ensure products are engineered in accordance with cost targets throughout the entire creation process. Secure initial freight on board (FOB) cost quotes and follow-up price adjustments. Negotiate final costs with Tier 1 as needed.
• Ensure that all fabrics, trims, colors, processes, and development samples are fully tested to ensure adherence to adidas’ quality and testing standards.
• Manage quality and process escalations with senior manager as needed.
• If required, review size sets for accuracy of measurements and merchantability of complete size range for fit.
• Review and sign off sealing sample with complete article description including all related documents prior to buy ready dates.
• Ensure full conformity to published policies to ensure a final legal article description for final product.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of data by continuously updating the system.
• Responsible for achieving specific KPIs (e.g. freight on board (FOB), sustainability, and on-time Sales and Marketing Sample (SMS) delivery) for assigned articles/product.
• Live and foster a knowledge sharing culture, and mentor junior team members.
• Support cross-functional projects as required.