Description
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 Apparel, you will lead the end-to-end development process for
assigned medium complexity products from concept brief to production readiness. You will work
in strong partnership with pattern and material experts as well as product marketing, design,
and suppliers.
Key Responsibilities: • Take accountability for the entire apparel 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 T1 to ensure that all technical information provided to T1
is complete.
• Act as technical expert and guide/consult design and product marketing on T1
manufacturing efficiency suggestions. Manage comments to T1. • Research innovation from market or suppliers regarding garment construction, pattern, fit,
embellishment, and trims. Partner with Innovation, Sourcing, Tier-1 suppliers to implement
into product creation.
• Review, validate and approve T1 costing information to ensure products are engineered in
accordance with cost targets throughout the entire creation process. Secure initial FOB cost
quotes and follow-up price adjustments. Ensure final costs adhere to adidas costing
standard.
• 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 AD including all related documents prior
to buy ready dates.
• Ensure full conformity to published policies to ensure a final legal AD for final product.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of data by continuously updating the system.
• Responsible for achieving specific KPIs (e.g., on-time buy ready, target FOB, margins,
sustainability, and on-time SMS delivery, CR2 finalization) for assigned articles/product.
• Live and foster a knowledge sharing culture, and mentor junior team members.
• Support cross-functional projects as required.
Key Relationships: • Product Design
• Product Marketing
• Product Operations (Product Development, Materials Development, Pattern Making, Testing
& Quality, Costing, Planning)
• Sourcing
• Tier 1 supplier
• Digital Creation
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: • Advanced knowledge of material construction and related testing
• Advanced knowledge of wear and physical product testing
• Advanced knowledge of production garment construction and manufacturing
• Ability to fit a garment and comment to T1 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
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 apparel product development
Datum: Nov 2023 Seite 2 von 6
Our Culture
AT ADIDAS WE HAVE A WINNING CULTURE. BUT TO WIN, PHYSICAL POWER IS NOT ENOUGH. JUST LIKE ATHLETES OUR EMPLOYEES NEED MENTAL STRENGTH IN THEIR GAME. WE FOSTER THE ATHLETE’S MINDSET THROUGH A SET OF BEHAVIORS THAT WE WANT TO ENABLE AND DEVELOP IN OUR PEOPLE AND THAT ARE AT THE CORE OF OUR UNIQUE COMPANY CULTURE: THIS IS HOW WE WIN WHILE PLAYING FAIR.
- COURAGE: Speak up when you see an opportunity; step up when you see a need..
- OWNERSHIP: Pick up the ball. Be proactive, take responsibility and follow-through.
- INNOVATION: Elevate to win. Be curious, test and learn new and better ways of doing things.
- TEAMPLAY: Win together. Work collaboratively and cultivate a shared mindset.
- INTEGRITY: Play by the rules. Hold yourself and others accountable to our company’s standards.
- RESPECT: Value all players. Display empathy, be inclusive and show dignity to all.
adidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.