Manager, Technical Development (adidas Apparel)

This role leads end-to-end technical development of assigned apparel products from initial concept through production readiness. The position drives product engineering, fit development, garment construction, and technical execution while ensuring products meet adidas standards for quality, performance, cost, and manufacturability. Serving as a technical expert in 2D and 3D pattern engineering, the role advances pattern creation, grading, fit consistency, and digital product development.

• Lead the end-to-end technical development of assigned apparel products, ensuring product integrity, engineering excellence, and timely execution against the global creation calendar, and partner with Product Marketing, Design, Product Development, Materials Development, Innovation, Sourcing
• And external technical partners to resolve development challenges and deliver product objectives.
• Translate design concepts into technically sound and commercially viable products by evaluating garment construction, material properties, performance requirements, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Lead fit approval, fitting sessions, and size specification processes, and make technical decisions on garment fit, workmanship, construction, and overall product execution.
• Lead the creation, evaluation, and implementation of 2D and 3D patterns, including new model patterns and foundational pattern blocks aligned with consumer and market requirements.
• Develop and implement standardised grading rules, fit guidelines, and pattern engineering practices to ensure consistency across product ranges and global creation teams, and partner with global pattern engineering teams to consolidate foundational patterns and align technical standards.
• Advance digital pattern engineering and virtual prototyping through 2D and 3D technologies to improve development speed, accuracy, and efficiency, and coordinate pattern validation, wear testing, and virtual or physical prototype evaluations to optimise fit, functionality, and product readiness.
• Manage the transfer of complete and accurate technical design packages to Tier 1 suppliers and serve as a technical partner to manufacturing suppliers on pattern execution, garment construction, production efficiency, and technical problem-solving.
• Review and validate supplier costing, secure initial FOB quotations, and manage cost adjustments to achieve target margins while maintaining product quality and performance, and drive assigned product KPIs including on-time buy readiness, target FOB costs, margins, sustainability objectives
• Sample delivery, and development milestone completion.
• Identify and implement new garment construction techniques, materials, trims, embellishments, and pattern solutions in partnership with Innovation, Sourcing, and manufacturing teams, and ensure fabrics, trims, colours, garment constructions, and development samples meet adidas quality, performance
• And testing standards.
• Review size sets when required and approve final sealing samples, technical documentation, and product specifications before buy-ready milestones
• Ensure technical specifications, product documentation, and development processes comply with adidas quality standards, operational policies, and applicable requirements
• Maintain accurate product data in product creation systems
• And develop technical frameworks, standardised workflows, training resources, and mentorship for junior team members.

• Technical college, fashion school, or university degree in pattern making, grading, apparel engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent technical education or Meisterbrief certification is acceptable.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in apparel pattern engineering, technical development, or related apparel product development functions.
• Advanced knowledge of apparel pattern creation, grading, garment construction, manufacturing processes, and material properties affecting fit and performance.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate apparel designs and develop technically sound, cost-efficient pattern and construction solutions.
• Advanced proficiency in Gerber or comparable computer-aided pattern engineering software.
• Strong understanding of apparel fit evaluation, size specifications, technical testing, and production requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe applications, and Product Data Management systems.
• Functional project management experience with the ability to manage multiple development priorities and deadlines.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to independently resolve complex technical challenges.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to present technical information and deliver training to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, manufacturing suppliers, and global business partners.
• Ability to travel domestically or internationally as required.

• Advanced proficiency in CLO 3D or comparable 3D apparel development and virtual prototyping platforms.
• Experience supporting digital product creation initiatives, virtual fit evaluation, and emerging pattern engineering technologies.
• Experience developing and implementing global pattern standards, grading frameworks, and foundational pattern libraries.
• Experience collaborating with international Tier 1 manufacturing partners, external CAD specialists, and fit development teams.
• Exposure to apparel innovation projects involving advanced garment construction, material optimisation, or manufacturing efficiency.
• Experience creating technical training materials, developing standardised processes, and mentoring junior technical development professionals.
• Experience supporting global apparel product creation calendars and cross-functional development initiatives within a performance or lifestyle apparel environment.

• Is based in Los Angeles, California, and follows adidas's hybrid work model.
• Employees are expected to work on-site Monday through Thursday, with flexibility to work remotely on Fridays; in-office attendance may be required on Fridays for collaborative activities, business priorities, or in-person presentations.
• Operates in a collaborative, fast-paced global product creation environment combining technical development, digital pattern engineering, product evaluation, and cross-functional decision-making.
• Regular interaction with internal creation teams, global business partners, and external manufacturing suppliers is expected.
• Domestic and international travel may be required to support product development, supplier collaboration, technical alignment, and business initiatives.
• English is the primary working language.

• Actual salary will be determined based on candidate experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.

• Employees are eligible to earn an annual bonus based on company and individual performance.
• Comprehensive medical coverage including HSA with employer funding or FSA options, dental, vision, and prescription plans.
• Adoption, surrogate, and fertility support programmes.
• Short and long term disability coverage.
• Basic life and AD&D insurance with supplemental employee-paid options.
• 401(k) plan and Stock Purchase Plan with employer match or applicable adidas contributions.
• Education assistance for eligible full-time employees.
• Paid parental and other eligible leave programmes.
• Flexible Time Off accrued at 0.4388 hours per day for employees with less than five years of service, increasing with tenure.
• Twelve company-designated paid holidays, including a Floating Holiday, plus milestone Service Time Off for eligible employees.
• Employee product discounts and access to wellness and Employee Assistance programmes.
• All benefits are subject to applicable eligibility requirements, company policies, and governing plan documents.

Adidas fosters a workplace culture built on respect, collaboration, and opportunity where employees can grow, contribute, and perform at their best. adidas values diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds because they strengthen teams, drive innovation, and help better serve athletes, consumers, and communities worldwide. adidas is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.