Manager, Product Creation (originals Creation Center)

Purpose:

Plays a key role in the adidas Originals FTW Creation Hub, across a broad portfolio of silhouettes on topics related to technical, product constructions, materials, process-oriented, speed to market, driving efficiency and delivering margin expectations. Drives the process and is responsible for initiating and managing projects. The role requires strong cross functional managing abilities and collaboration including interactions with Design, T1, T2, Product Marketing and Sourcing. 

Key Accountabilities:                                                                                                                                

•  Influences and drives category direction and speed programs to bring products faster to market.Researches and formulates options to deliver price/value whilst maintaining core product brief needs

• Manages and develops relations with T2 supply base to support localization, speed to market, meeting material pricing targets and materials quality

• Close relationship and working with T1 generating new working practices to advance delivery against timelines

• Generates and provides technical support and training for junior members within the organization

• Devises and drives the product process and leverages category sourcing strategy to deliver new material and design innovation while meeting gross margin/ profitability objectives

• Nurtures, guides and challenges cross functional departments to ensure product excellence

• Ensures all product milestones are achieved in a fast paced creation process and establishes better working practices to advance processes

• Develops and improves  processes with a goal to drive leading product process with speed and efficiency.  Always innovating with speed and flexibility

• Drives collaboration with Global Strategic Hub, Design, Development, Sourcing, T1/T2 Suppliers

• Build experience in managing direct reports, developing their functional and social skills; ensure clear and structured on boarding process for new team members 

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive footwear product knowledge scope across a variety of silhouettes with experience in development, working knowledge of product marketing, costing, materials and how to work best with T1 and T2 suppliers

• Ability to work with and influence all levels of the organization as well as aligning external partners with Core strategy (factory, suppliers)

• Comprehensive knowledge of shoe building from design sketch phase to ex-factory

• Strong business acumen in channel distribution, net sales, margin, profit and inventory (commercially driven trade channel)

• Thrive in a fast paced product creation environment

• Knowledge of footwear concepts in construction/development a necessity

• Good numerical skills with the ability to negotiate

• Seeks to redefine processes and find new and innovative angles to product creation with an emphasis on speed

• Ability to effectively present to groups, including members of all organizational levels

• Skill in MS Office applications (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word)

• Basic leadership skills 

• Ability to travel internationally for consumer trend research and internal meetings and presentations

Qualifications (Minimum required education and experience):

• University degree or above.

• Minimum five (3) years related experience

• Equivalent education and/or experience may be substituted for degree

• Experience in Footwear Development, Sourcing a necessity and marketing an advantage

• Fluent in english

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.