Purpose
Lead horizontal material development and toolbox management for Accessories & Gear product, drive material innovation and sustainability, govern material development processes and act as subject matter expert for material lifecycle management system (A&G).
Key Accountabilities
* Ensure full alignment with Sourcing and BU’s, so that materials fulfil both brand’s needs
* Implement and manage a horizontal material toolbox concept across A&G Business Units
* Manage material portfolio and drive material consolidation across BU’s to support product margin optimization
* Ownership of physical material library management and maintenance
* Subject Matter Expert for Material Lifecycle Management (MLM) system, identify creation center needs and drive system enhancements
* Drive process improvement, governance and alignment across Business Units and all global Creation Centers
* Define and own material innovation process across BU’s (incl. organization of A&G Material Fair)
* Support development of innovative and sustainable materials
* Drive and implement material related global / strategic projects
* Identify need for and manage Non-Disclosure-Agreements with T1 and/or T2 suppliers
Key Relationships
* Global A&G Creation Centers (cross-functional teams)
* A&G Sourcing Operations
* A&G LO Material Managers
* A&G Supply Base (T1 and T2 suppliers)
* Global IT
* Strategy & Projects
* Footwear / Apparel Material teams (cross-functional)
Knowledge Experience and Capabilities
* Good balance of collaboration and independence to drive efficiency
* Ability to work independently in a remote team set-up
* Strong communication skills, including ability to facilitate and lead discussions in a diverse group with conflicting interests
* Actively initiate and develop relationships throughout the A&G community
* Experience in material management / technical understanding of materials
* Ability to think strategically, analyse complex data and derive actionable conclusions
* Good knowledge of adidas product creation process and A&G product is an advantage
* Willingness to make decisions, take calculated risks and act comfortably with uncertainty
* Fluent in English (written and spoken)
* Domestic and international travel as required
Qualifications
1. Bachelor’s degree or technical degree with a focus on material technology
2. 5+ years of progressive experience in sports good industry, or equivalent combinations of education and related work experience in the field of sourcing
3. 2 – 3 years of project management experience