Senior Manager, Product Development & Commercialization FTW

This role is a key player in Global Sourcing, driving the function's vision to be the most agile, most competitive, most digitalised and cleanest supply base in the industry. It leads development, commercialisation, product integrity, manufacturability, Create to Value (CTV) and performance to target FOB for all products within the assigned category or categories. The position sits within the Product Development & Operations team and works closely with Global Sourcing functions, Global Brands HQ product teams, other global functions and external sourcing suppliers.

• Lead development and commercialisation for one or more assigned categories, ensuring products consistently exceed customer expectations for fit, comfort, design integrity, performance, perceived value, manufacturability and quality
• And using product and sports competence to influence the overall product direction of the category.
• Oversee the direct development process between the Headquarter/Creation Centre and Tier 1 factory.
• Manage cohesive, customer-focused cross-Sourcing Functions teams so that product integrity and Create to Value remain the paramount priority and focus.
• Manage relationships with factory development team leaders to continually upgrade sports category competence, development innovation capability and technical expertise.
• Make decisions within the defined development and commercialisation scope for the assigned categories and give input to issuing directives in development, commercialisation and related areas.
• Influence HQ (Design, Marketing, Brand Ops, Quality) and external parties, driving change using a principle-centred rather than policy-driven approach with adidas standards as the centre of focus when managing and solving conflicts.
• Ensure all sourcing operations and practices fully comply with adidas' Responsible Sourcing & Purchasing Policy, adidas standards and legal requirements while managing the relevant processes internally and externally.
• Develop and coach the team to ensure the best standards of performance, appropriate skill set and strong succession plans are in place.
• Role model leadership to foster a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion culture that strives for an inclusive workplace.
• Maintain key relationships across Global Sourcing (Manufacturing, Costing, Material, Planning, Product Quality, Product Testing & Compliance, E&MI), Global Brands HQ product teams, other global functions and external sourcing suppliers, including factory development and commercialisation teams
• Factory sample room heads and T2/T3 suppliers.

• University degree in engineering or related areas.
• Minimum 7+ years of relevant experience in the industry, with technical capability and managerial experience.
• Experience in pattern engineering, product creation, mould making, grading, materials processing and similar areas.
• Relevant knowledge and expertise, with the ability to drive LO/regional-based projects within a defined scope of development and commercialisation.
• Strong project management skills.
• Strong influencing, presentation and communication skills.
• Proven ability in leading multidimensional teams.
• Fluent in English, written and spoken.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.

The company embeds diversity, equity and inclusion into its culture and talent processes, believing this gives employees a sense of belonging and the brand a real competitive advantage. By recruiting talent and developing people who reflect the rich diversity of its consumers and communities, adidas aims to foster a culture of inclusion that engages employees and authentically connects the brand with consumers.