PURPOSE & OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANISATION
We will never launch a product unless we consider it perfect. Our product operations teams create every shirt, every shoe, and every piece of equipment for thousands of athletes and fashion lovers as if it were one of a kind. And it truly is, as they weave their passion into every product. But translating designs, drawings and renderings into real products requires a lot of decision making.
As Senior Specialist Sample Creation Footwear, you are responsible for creating physical shoe prototypes and material components for the buildup of athlete grade performance, fashion grade concept, and inline grade development shoes. You will identify the best process steps to turn performance, fit and design needs into a visual or functional shoe prototype by leveraging a variety of digital and handcraft techniques, tools, materials and processes to achieve on time in full results. Where applicable, you will assist on innovative product concepts and identify solutions to bring them to life on a specific or brand concept level.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Utilize handcraft processes, tools, and machinery equipment to build up, modify or create 2D parts or physical shoes for the internal customer's purpose
2. Pre- and post-processing of produced parts and shoes: i.e., cleaning, sanding, curing, painting, heating, etc. is a key component of the shoe creation process
3. Creation of physical prototypes through various technologies or processes (urethane casting, laser cutting, vacuum forming, hand carving, glueing, assembly techniques etc.) required
4. Support the conversion of design or pattern data into a confirmed set of usable machine or physical pattern parts to enable upper creation and tooling assembly
5. Provide technical knowledge and information in collaboration with design, development, and if applicable factory partners and guide them to the best process or prototype for their needs
6. Work closely with the internal customer to analyze designs for manufacturability, production efficiencies, potential functional or quality issues and offer alternative, economic, and efficient solutions. Point out and communicate with a solution-oriented mindset and identify opportunities during this process
7. Maintain and operate all related tools, equipment, and supplies: i.e., machine software, machine operator maintenance, supply management, shoemaking or cutting tools
8. Increase the speed and efficiency of processes by eliminating non-value adding steps and follow “Right the First Time” principle
9. Continuously increase knowledge of the latest technological trends in shoe creation and material cutting of parts by active research or information gathering via i.e. fairs
10. Support and consult on advanced concepts in techniques and execution as pertains to rapid creation
11. Bring new ideas to the team to optimize or initiate new workmanship techniques and services in alignment with the team leader
12. Collaborate with other adidas creation centers, internal departments and where needed and aligned external resources as needed
13. Manage used materials or volatile chemicals warehouse and storage facilities, by maintaining proper stock, lean housekeeping and ordering in time to enable supply availability
14. Live and foster a knowledge sharing culture, and mentor junior team members
15. Assist in training orthopedic shoemaking apprentices in the department in upgrading skills and equipment knowledge as well as fundamentals training
16. Support athlete orthopedic care for athlete product excellence customers and/or creative and celebrity VIP partners in customized shoe creation
Optional responsibilities
17. Manage and mentor othopedic shoemaker apprentices by providing educational direction and creating a motivational and supportive work environment in which employees are coached and trained through development.
18. Cross-divisional function within a technology area with an official appointment as safety officer (e.g. laser safety officer in accordance with § 5 of the Ordinance on the Protection of Employees against Hazards from Artificial Optical Radiation (OStrV)): Carrying out the risk assessment with regards to laser radiation Implementing the necessary protective measures with regards to laser radiation Monitoring the safe operation of lasers
19. Provide medical clearance for athlete product components, adhering to and following German Medical Product Law
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
20. Proficient knowledge of all computer software required to run machinery and equipment
21. High level of preparation of data for materials cutting, molding or shoemaking processes where applicable is required utilizing all available software tools (Rhino, Machine software, Punch, graphic and other software)
22. Basic knowledge of creating 2D CAD models; ability to modify for manufacturability and drive feedback to optimize the input process
23. Ability to work with Solvents, Chemicals, Polyurethane, Epoxy, Silicones and other materials following respective health and safety regulations
24. Ability to identify design issues and offer solutions to improve functionality and manufacturability of shoe prototypes
25. Ability to work independently under a deadline on several projects simultaneously with minimal input
26. Ability to problem solve and trouble shoot errors with mechanical equipment following instructed maintenance training
27. Ability to work in a shop environment and be comfortable working with industrial machinery and required chemicals following health and safety regulations
28. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence and communicate goal oriented
29. Ability to setup up and hold meetings in a collaborative environment driving the discussion to a fruitful outcome for all stakeholders
30. Expertise in multiple shoe making processes
31. Strong handcraft skills
32. Good English skills, German beneficial
33. MS Office and other state of the art communication or documentation skills
REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
34. Orthopedic shoemaking master (Orthopädieschuhmachermeister) or equivalent in the shoemaking industry with a focus on customized shoe creation and a strong shoemaking skill
35. First work experience in shoemaking, orthopedic work, comparable field or industry
36. Or in lieu experience with related work experience of minimum 5 years