PURPOSE & OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANIZATIONWe'll never launch a product unless we consider it perfect. Our product development teams create every shirt, every shoe and every piece of equipment for thousands of athletes and fashion lovers as if it was one of a kind. And it truly is, as they weave their passion into every single product. But translating designs, drawings and renderings into real products requires a lot of decision making.As Manager Development Footwear, you will lead the end-to-end development process for assigned medium complexity products from concept brief to production readiness. You will work in strong partnership with footwear technicians, material experts as well as product management, design and suppliers.Key ResponsibilitiesTake accountability for the entire development management process for assigned articles, with an emphasis on product integrity, product engineering and timely completion of all tasks in accordance with the corporate operating calendar. Apply sport-specific understanding to enhance product performancePartner with product suppliers to develop new construction methods, manufacturing processes to create performance footwearProvide technical solutions by analyzing designs for manufacturability, production and material properties which address desired function, cosmetics, market appealEnsure products are engineered in accordance with cost targets and secure initial FOB cost quotes and follow-up price adjustmentsEnsure that all materials, processes, prototypes and development samples are fully tested to ensure adherence to adidas's quality standardsEnsure accuracy, completeness and timeliness of data by continuously updating the systemResponsible for achieving specific KPIs (e.g. margins, sustainability, and on-time SMS delivery) for assigned articles/productLive and foster a knowledge sharing culture, and mentor junior team membersSupport cross-functional projects as requiredKEY RELATIONSHIPSProduct ManagementDesignAdvanced Creation - Testing & QualitySourcingFactoriesPlanningCostingDigital CreationColor & MaterialsPatternToolingKnowledge, Skills And AbilitiesStrong knowledge of the footwear creation process from concept brief to shelf incl. last, pattern, construction, tooling, testing, knowledge of sport-specific movement, biomechanicsStrong ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously according to business priority, manage workload, ideally experienced in working on new technologies & innovationsStrong business acumenStrong communication skillsEnglish language proficiency requiredBusiness travel (3 times a year, 7-10 days)Continuous learning/growth mindsetRequisite Education And Experience / Minimum QualificationsUniversity degree in manufacturing, engineering, biomechanics, sports science or business, or technical degree as footwear technicianAlternatively, combination of relevant education, experience, and trainingMinimum 2 years of relevant work experience in footwear product developmentadidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an equal opportunity employer.