Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization:

We’ll 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 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 Senior Manager Materials Implementation you will drive the validation of sustainable materials, sustainable processes, and recyclable products to support the delivery of the Corporate Strategy. You will ensure material compliance through creating, evolving, and implementing SOPs and guidelines based on research of standards, validation of materials & processes, and external legislation and internal policies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the research and implementation of standards and organizations that support external legislation and internal policies and input into the communication strategy to all stakeholders.
• Create, manage, and roll out guidance to internal organizations & external supply base.
• Provide technical and commercial advice regarding sustainable materials, sustainable processes, and circular product including opportunities for updating, improving and expanding our portfolio
• Ensure availability of sustainable materials data, and circular product data, and support the enhancement of related systems
• Translate the Materials Strategy and Circularity Strategy for own area of responsibility into actionable steps.
• Closely collaborate with BU material strategy team to ensure BU x-functional creation teams are aware of all relevant guidelines
• Closely collaborate with Sourcing teams to ensure suppliers are aware of all relevant guidelines

Optional: People management

• Manage up to two team members by providing clear direction/targets and creating a motivational and supportive work environment in which employees are coached, trained, and provided with career opportunities through development. 

Key Relationships:

• Material Creation
• BU Product Development
• BU Marketing and BU Design
• Sustainability & Climate Change
• Brand Innovation
• Sourcing
• T1, T2 and T3 supply partners
• Quality & Testing
• Human Resources
• Compliance
• Legal

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge and technical understanding of materials, that are relevant for the sporting goods industry
• Ability to effectively communicate (both written and verbal) at all levels of the organization and to lead discussion, including strong presentation skills
• Fluent English (verbal and written)
• Willingness and ability to travel, domestic or international, as required
• Continuous learning/growth mindset
• Advanced planning and organization skills, ability to multi-task and manage priorities.
• Ability to manage various projects simultaneously and implement changes.

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:

• Four-year college or university degree in materials engineering, mechanical engineering or comparable degree/education related to Footwear Materials and/or Apparel Materials.
• Minimum 4 years of progressive experience in the footwear and/or apparel industries with emphasis on material innovation, development and/or manufacturing.