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 Senior Developer Apparel Innovation, you will work ahead of the Inline product creation calendar (~ 22-46 months out) to (1) effectively drive the transition of INNOVATION-led revolutionary innovations to commercial readiness ahead of competition and/or (2) to drive evolutionary innovations, based on consumer and category needs to commercial readiness, e.g., to ensure ongoing freshness and innovation updates (on product/process/profitability) between big revolutionary product introductions. You will work in cross-functional project teams with team members of different Brand teams (INNOVATION, Design, Marketing, and Creative Direction) and – depending on innovation project and staffing – with horizontal Advanced Operations experts as well as external partners.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

 

Lead and drive the inception of new and/or innovative  designs, components, processes, materials, and concepts into a manufacturable and marketable finished product  Work collaboratively with cross-functional team members of different Brand teams (Design, Marketing & Creative Direction) and – if necessary – lead horizontal Advanced Operations experts per defined project  Guide the definition and enhancement of test parameters / standards required to evaluate and measure the performance & functionality of the concepts  Ensure that all materials, components as well as finished goods are tested and adhere to adidas performance/quality standards (material, component, FGT, Fit&Wear/Biomechanical, safety, A01 requirements). Where applicable, escalate and manage quality exceptions with senior management as needed, ensuring a suitable resolution is agreed  Collaborate with horizontal Advanced Ops and other vertical advanced teams to share knowledge and define adaptation potential across the Brand for new technologies and support inline implementation  Understand key cost drivers and establish a transparent cost structure for new technologies and processes in collaboration with costing and supply base  Manage tech pack handover to supply base to ensure that all information provided is complete. Drive product revision rounds with cross-functional team and provide technical support as required after supply base feedback   Ensure tasks and  timelines are adhered to and provide project status updates to Innovation Manager  For INNOVATION led innovations Validate innovation readiness level for revolutionary innovations and support the definition of the hand over criteria  Manage transition of INNOVATION led innovations to commercial readiness ahead of competition and provide additional support to the team for more complex projects  Takeover responsibility for commercial INNOVATION led innovations at the Leadership Transition Point (LTP) from INNOVATION  and drive innovation until commercialization by checking the fit for purpose, the feasibility, the scalability in terms of machine investments and by managing cost engineering   Provide dedicated development capacity and technical capabilities (e.g., CAD, sampling)  Provide cost engineering expertise   Identify and propose creation options to manage cost towards aspired level  Identify, assess, select, and develop most suitable suppliers (in cooperation with Sourcing)  Ensure scalability (e.g., machine capacity) and coordinate supplier ramp-up  For Product Operations led innovations  Research, develop and commercialize Product Operations led innovations which ensure ongoing freshness between big INNOVATION led product introductions  Ensure legal requirements, i.e. IP rights or NDA, are established  Transfer product expertise across categories  Continuously improve on cost, quality, speed, and sustainability  Ensure scalability (e.g., machine capacity) and coordinate supplier ramp-up  Take-up supplier ideas and funnel into overall innovation process (involve INNOVATION as required) 

 

Optional: People Management

Manage up to two team members by providing clear direction/targets and creating a motivational and supportive work environment in which employees are coached, trained, and provided with career opportunities through development. 

 

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

 

Innovation (Marketing & Design) BU Marketing & Design Creative Direction Brand Strategy Horizontal Concept Advanced Creation Materials Advanced Creation Technologies Advanced Creation Testing Advanced Creation Innovation Management Inline Development Supply partners Costing Department Sourcing External Suppliers Supply Chain Management Legal

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

 

Ability to cope with change, make decisions and act comfortably with risk and uncertainty Ability to show entrepreneurial mindset and creative thinking Strong project management skills and ability to effectively work in cross-functional team setups Strong communication and negotiation skills Strategic acting Fluent in English (written and spoken), German an advantage Travel, domestic and international as required by business needs Ability to work independently under minimal guidance on several projects simultaneously Engineering and technical expertise/experience  Knowledge of wear and physical product testing   Strong E2E product creation understanding and profound knowledge of key  creation processes (e.g. constructions, patterns, technology, manufacturing, materials  etc.) Strong IT skills (MS office) and ability to work with Product Data Management (PDM) and Computer Aided Design (CAD) Systems Strong understanding of costing principles and ability to negotiate 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 5 years of relevant work experience in apparel product development Proven record of accomplishment in the field of apparel development Exposure to the latest in materials, components, processes, and concepts Experience in project-based work