Manager Development Footwear (Los Angeles, CA, US)

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 Footwear, 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 footwear technicians, material experts as well as product management, design and suppliers.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

• Must own the entire development management process for assigned articles, with an emphasis on product integrity, product engineering and timely completion of all tasks while working off/on multiple calendars. Apply sport-specific understanding to enhance product performance.
• Partner with product suppliers to develop new construction methods, manufacturing processes to create performance footwear.
• Provide technical solutions by analyzing designs for manufacturability, production and material properties which address desired function, cosmetics, market appeal.
• Ensure products are engineered in accordance with cost targets and secure initial FOB cost quotes and follow-up price adjustments.
• Ensure that all materials, processes, prototypes and development samples are fully tested to ensure adherence to adidas’s quality standards.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness and timeliness of data by continuously updating the system.
• Responsible for achieving specific KPIs (e.g. margins, sustainability, and on-time SMS delivery) for assigned articles/product.
• Live and foster a knowledge sharing culture, and mentor junior team members.
• Support cross-functional projects as required.
• Research new technologies & materials while partnering with Design/Marketing to implement for positive impact on the business.

 

 

Key Relationships:

 

• Product Management
• Design
• Advanced Creation - Testing & Quality
• Sourcing
• Factories
• Planning
• Costing
• Digital Creation
• Color & Materials
• Pattern
• Tooling

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

 

• Strong knowledge of the footwear creation process from concept brief to shelf incl. last, pattern, construction, tooling, testing, knowledge of sport-specific movement, biomechanics
• Strong ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously according to business priority, manage workload, ideally experienced in working on new technologies & innovations
• Strong business acumen
• Strong communication skills
• English language proficiency required
• Business travel (3 times a year, 7-10 days)
• Continuous learning/growth mindset

 

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:

 

• University degree in manufacturing, engineering, biomechanics, sports science or business, or technical degree as footwear technician
• Alternatively, combination of relevant education, experience, and training
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in footwear product development.

 

 

 

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at adidas means championing individual uniqueness and cultivating a culture of belonging in which everyone can create at their best.  We embrace diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and seek to create a workforce that reflects our consumers and communities.​
• adidas offers robust and progressive medical, including HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer funding or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) options, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, adoption, with surrogate and fertility support, short and long-term disability, and basic life and AD&D insurance, which can be supplemented with employee-paid coverage. Employees are able to enroll in adidas’ 401k plan and Stock Purchase Plan with employer match. Full-time employees are eligible for education assistance and generous Leave policies including 12 weeks of paid parental leave. ​
• Employees are eligible to earn an annual bonus based on both company and personal performance. Employees accrue prorated flexible time off in the amount .4388 hours per day that increases with years of service, twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year and Service Time Off during milestone years.
• The anticipated low and high end of the base pay range for this position is $108,000 - $125,000. Actual salary will be based on various factors, such as a candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills and competencies, proficiency for the role.​
• At adidas we offer a Hybrid work policy which requires attendance in the office Monday through Thursday, with the flexibility to work remotely on Friday each week. For work requiring a high degree of collaboration or an in-person presentation, in-office attendance is required even on Friday. The working location of this position is Los Angeles, California.​
• Though our teammates hail from all corners of the world, our working language is English.

adidas AG manufactures sports shoes and sports equipment. The Company produces products that include footwear, sports apparel, and golf clubs and balls. adidas sells its products worldwide.