Adidas Senior Manager Product Development Jobs | Shanghai

Job Overview

Purpose of the Role

Manage a team of product developers in the creation and commercialization of assigned products. Monitor development calendars to ensure deadlines, costing KPIs and quality standards are achieved. Work closely with cross-functional creation centre teams and support services to maintain product integrity.

Key Responsibilities

1. Team Leadership – 30%

• Partner with Marketing and Design teams to achieve business unit goals and objectives.
• Communicate proactively with development and cross-functional teams to ensure smooth product development.
• Research new technologies and materials and communicate potential development opportunities to Design and Marketing.
• Supervise the costing process to achieve the best possible product cost.
• Communicate seasonal product initiatives, process changes and long-term category vision.
• Take responsibility for Buy Ready performance through effective coordination with Marketing, Design, Materials Development, Pattern, Logistics and Sourcing teams.
• Manage and motivate the team through delegation, objective setting, performance assessments, training and development.

2. Product Development – 70%

• Coordinate with Marketing, Design, Suppliers and LO/OC to ensure effective product creation.
• Ensure target pricing and product designs are aligned through predictive costing.
• Review, validate and approve T1 costing information throughout the creation process.
• Manage the handover from Design to T1 and ensure complete product development information.
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry of Article Description (AD), BOM, costing and other required information.
• Evaluate prototypes for compliance with product specifications, fit, sizing, colours, accessories and materials.
• Ensure materials, accessories and prototypes comply with adidas quality, safety and A01 chemical standards.
• Review size sets for measurement accuracy, fit, merchantability and logo placement where required.
• Review and approve sealing samples with complete Article Description and supporting documents before Buy Ready deadlines.
• Research innovations in garment construction, pattern, fit, embellishments and trims.
• Collaborate with Materials, Costing, Pattern, Sourcing and T1/T2 teams to implement product innovations.

Key Relationships

• Marketing and Design
• Sourcing – Brand Strategy, Merchandising, Costing, Materials and Technical Services
• Materials, Costing and Pattern teams
• Global Supply Chain Planning and SCI
• T1 / T2 Suppliers

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage, motivate and develop a team.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to manage change, risk and uncertainty.
• In-depth knowledge of garment construction and manufacturing.
• Advanced knowledge of material construction and related testing.
• Knowledge of wear testing and physical product testing.
• Advanced costing knowledge and negotiation skills.
• Ability to conduct garment fitting and provide technical comments.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Strong IT skills, including MS Office, PDM and CAD.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Educational Qualification & Experience

• Four-year college or university degree with emphasis on Clothing Technology and/or Manufacturing.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in the garment/textile industry.
• Previous experience in managing a team.