Senior Manager, Product Creation Apparel

PURPOSE

• Act as a key player in Global Sourcing to achieve the vision of being: Most Agile, Most Competitive, Most Digitalized, Cleanest Supply Base in the industry
• Drive: Development and commercialization; Product integrity and manufacturability; Create to Value (CTV); Performance to target FOB for all products in assigned categories

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead development/commercialization for assigned category(ies) ensuring fit, comfort, design integrity, performance, perceived value, manufacturability, and quality exceed customer expectations
• Oversee direct development process between HQ/Creation Center and Tier 1 factory
• Manage cross-functional sourcing teams to prioritize product integrity and CTV
• Build and maintain relationships with factory development leaders to upgrade category competence, enhance innovation and technical expertise
• Exhibit strong “product eyes” and sports competence to influence product direction
• Make decisions within defined development/commercialization scope
• Provide input for directives in development and commercialization
• Influence HQ teams (Design, Marketing, Brand Ops, Quality) and external parties; drive change using principle-centered approach aligned with adidas Standards
• Ensure compliance with adidas Responsible Sourcing & Purchasing Policy, adidas standards and legal requirements
• Develop and coach team for high performance standards, appropriate skill sets, and strong succession planning
• Role model leadership to foster Diversity, Equity & Inclusion culture

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Internal: Global Sourcing (Manufacturing, Costing, Material, Planning, Product Quality, Testing & Compliance, E&MI); Global Brands (HQ Product Teams: Design, Marketing, Brand Ops); Global Operations; Other Global Functions (Social & Environmental Affairs, Government Affairs)
• External: Sourcing Suppliers (Factory development/commercialization heads, sample room heads, T2/T3 suppliers)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Expertise in development & commercialization; ability to drive LO/regional projects within defined scope
• Strong project management skills
• Excellent influencing, presentation, and communication skills
• Proven leadership of multidimensional teams
• Fluent in English (written & spoken)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office

REQUISITE EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• University degree in engineering or related field
• Minimum 7+ years of relevant industry experience with technical and managerial capability
• Experience in pattern engineering, product creation, mold making, grading, materials processing