Adidas is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people of all ages, genders (incl. gender identity), ethnic and social backgrounds, nationalities, sexual orientations, religions and beliefs, and those with apparent or non-apparent disabilities*. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees.
*We actively encourage individuals with disabilities to apply and will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.
PURPOSE & OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANISATION
To design and lead others in designing industry leading executions of Footwear through color, material, and construction.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Continuously aware and guides team on information needed to design a consumer and brand relevant collection. Should include all possible sources to gain this information
1. Trade fairs, cultural events, and sporting events, athlete insights
2. Trade publications, general interest press, trend services, fashion and sportswear magazines and websites
3. Store checks, market visits, and team travel as provided
4. Relevant forecast and sell-through numbers from our Marketing counterparts
Is a stakeholder in driving seasonal and long-term design direction and strategy for their category within the following topics
5. Footwear Color
6. Footwear Materials
7. Footwear Silhouettes
8. Graphics/Print Direction
9. Creating 3D concept representation, 3D assets, digital product information for an accurate development and decision-making process
Is a stakeholder in curating aforementioned design direction by, but not limited to
10. Providing trend forecasting content relevant to our consumer and brand
11. Providing direction and assisting in developing materials with the Material Team
12. Working with Local and Global counterparts to provide category relative Color and Material direction when required
13. Leads as a Color and Trend conduit to Marketing, Product Managers, Designers and in between Key Account and Inline
14. Acts as a brand ambassador between all categories looking for opportunities to connect direction, product, and people
15. Assisting in creating color design direction presentations
Works closely with members of the category’s design team. This includes but is not limited to:
16. Providing Color and Material content and direction
17. Collaboration and critiquing
18. To understand technical details of the product
Works closely with members of the categories design team. This includes but is not limited to:
19. Providing Color and Material content and direction
20. Collaboration and critiquing
21. Sets a leading example within the team and mentors
22. Transfers prior experiences and knowledge to those around them
23. Viewed within the team as a Color and Material expert and senior
Leads top-line range strategy in their categories. This includes but is not limited to:
24. Leads their team in creating holistic category overviews, rollouts, and merchandising strategy for the category
25. Communicate content to Footwear, Apparel, and Graphics Teams to align strategy
26. Inform horizontal brand moments and category moments by leading products, Color and Material narratives/executions, and tiered rollout plans in partnership with Design, Marketing, and Concept To Consumer. This is a collaborative effort across disciplines & functions together.
Manages in designing Footwear Color and Material executions for Inline and Key Account ranges with input from Design, Marketing, and Development. This includes but is not limited to:
27. Seasonal prep and research stated above
28. Creates product design presentations; both physical and digital
29. Exploratory process to reach final solution
30. Creates Color CADs, Material Maps, & Graphic Maps.
31. Guides their team in creating a quality and merchandisable range by having a detail to top-line view of all products
32. Works closely with Development to assist in development process & costing; meet development timelines and calendar deadlines per seasonal milestone.
33. Travel to Asia for development trips
34. Assists in communicating inspiration and storytelling to Marketing and Concept To Consumer
Has experienced knowledge and a higher understanding of product. From color, material, construction, to production.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
35. Ability and desire to manage others, which includes but is not limited to:
36. Influencing and leading a team
37. Productive critiquing and mentoring
38. Creating more efficient, creative, and positive working environment
39. A strong working knowledge of footwear construction and production
40. A detailed understanding of the creation process
41. A strong knowledge of material suppliers, material production, and technical material feasibilities
42. Computer Skills
43. Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop
44. Power Point/Key Note
45. Apple Mac Operating system
46. Understanding of brand history and current positioning
47. Understanding of marketplace (Footwear/streetwear/urban) history, consumer, and current positioning
48. Has a strong understanding of Color and Material trends, application, and cycles
49. Ability to understand design concepts and think conceptually
50. Ability to create designs that meet category needs and commercial opportunities
51. Ability to design for new initiatives and products with a fresh, innovative perspective
52. Ability to operate in a fast pace, ever changing work environment
53. Works well in a team environment. This position requires employee to engage with many stakeholders, as well as manage various information and relationships
54. Ability and desire to push themselves, others, and the brand forward
55. Ability to influence, negotiate, and collaborate with key business partners
56. Strong presentation skills
REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
57. Four year college or university degree in industrial, graphics, apparel or footwear design
58. Direct experience in footwear design, fashion design or any design relevant environment
59. Thorough knowledge of art and design with clear understanding of visual design or any design related environment
60. Six years relevant work experience
61. Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be substituted for degree