Manager, Product Development Footwear (Running/ Outdoor)

Manages footwear product development in support of the Business Unit(s), providing effective transition of footwear designs from prototyping into production. It sits within Product Development & Operations and works closely with Marketing, Design, Tier 1 supply partners, Materials Development, Product Creation Technology, Sourcing, Testing, Quality Assurance, Costing, Supply Chain management and Customs. The position also supports and guides Developers in the team across all aspects of development.

• Communicate and coordinate all necessary information to Marketing, Design, Suppliers and LO/OC to ensure the effective and efficient creation of outstanding product.
• Ensure that new projects are engineered to cost targets.
• Engineer workable prototypes which address desired function, cosmetics, market appeal and manufacturability and meet adidas quality standards.
• Prototype and implement new and innovative footwear designs, components, processes, materials and concepts into a manufacturable and marketable finished product.
• Ensure that all materials, processes and development samples are fully tested to ensure adherence to adidas' quality standards.
• Take ownership for the entire development process for assigned products, with an emphasis on quality product development and timely completion of all tasks in accordance with the applicable operating calendar.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with Business Units, Design, a.i.t., Materials Development and Supply, Quality, Costing, Product Creation Technology, Logistics and Sourcing Organisation, managing designated projects to ensure on time colourway activation performance.
• Complete organisational tasks and communication responsibilities including Sample Request Form completion, use of the computerised Product Data Management System, management of the Colorway Activation Sheet (CWA) process, and worldwide e-mail
• Phone and fax communication and all related organisational requirements.

• Technical training in footwear engineering and product development; knowledge of sourcing.
• Computer literacy (MS Office).
• Presentation skills.
• Fluent English.
• Exposure to the latest in materials, components, processes, and concepts.
• Ability to understand 2D images in 3D.
• Ability to frequently travel to production sources and the terrain of testing.
• 3-5 years minimum related work experience in the athletic footwear industry, specialising in product development, design and/or marketing.
• Proven record of accomplishment in the field of footwear development.

• Management skills.
• German language skills.
• Under-graduate university degree.

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