New

Manager, Materials Development (Footwear)

Adidas
United States, Oregon, Portland
Apr 07, 2026
Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization: We'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 Materials Development Footwear you are a key contributor in the footwear material development process by ensuring the availability of materials, which support the strategic marketing and design direction to enable commercial success. You will find and/or develop the right materials according to calendar timelines, target prices, sourcing policy, and quality standards. Key Responsibilities: Be the key contact and consultant for all material related questions for all internal interfaces. Lead all cross-functional discussions related to materials topics, steer the material selection process and drive material consolidation to improve efficiency. Build and maintain a close relationship with internal and external interfaces such as Design, Creation Center Product Development, Material Sourcing, Quality, horizontal Materials, Sustainability and Suppliers. Ensure availability and accuracy of materials data in internal administration system. Identify suitable sources for new material developments according to sourcing strategy and in line with product allocation. Interact and guide Tier 2 suppliers to translate the design vision into new, innovative material which meet commercial needs of the brand. Initiate and monitor all seasonal material developments (work together with Tier 2 suppliers, Sourcing, Quality and Advanced Creation) and be responsible for initial material price negotiations with suppliers during development stage. Ensure that all selected materials, composites, and components are tested and released in accordance with applicable calendar timelines and adidas quality standards. Cooperate with cross-functional team to achieve material consolidation targets and provide guidance on how to improve material efficiencies in close alignment with Materials and Product Development. Continuous improvement through regular consolidation and verification of materials library for cross functional communities, enforce material sharing where possible. Provide input on latest information/research on material trends to the respective Business Units/ categories also by gathering input from internal stakeholders, fairs, supplier meetings, apparel material show etc. Responsible for working with horizontal teams to translate the innovation and sustainable concepts to business plan in Business Units. Support and guide junior team members. Help to mentor new employees in materials development footwear by teaching them about adidas specific technical standards, processes and systems related to the materials process. Support projects. Key Relationships: Marketing Design Sourcing Product Operations (Product Development, Sustainability & Materials, Advanced Creation, Planning, Costing) Suppliers Tier 1 and Tier 2 Creation Centers in Asia, Germany and North America Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Powerful communication and presentation skills Strong influencing skills and solution-oriented mindset Strong knowledge of the footwear creation process, identify and call out material related issues and offer alternatives to parties involved Good planning and organization skills, ability to multi-tasking English language proficiency required Strong IT skills (e-mail, MS office), ability to work with internal material data base and reporting tool, preferably first experience in 3D creation process Business travel (3 times a year, 7-10 days) Continuous learning/growth mindset Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications: College/ university degree or comparable degree/education in engineering, preferable in chemical engineering or related field (synthetics, films, knits, injected materials, etc.) Alternatively, combination of relevant education, experience, and training At least 4 years of relevant work experience in material development or associated field At adidas we offer a Hybrid work policy which requires attendance in the office Monday through Thursday, with the flexibility to work remotely on Friday each week. For work requiring a high degree of collaboration or an in-person presentation, in-office attendance is required even on Friday.