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 Materials Manager Footwear you ensure the availability of materials, which support the strategic marketing & design direction to enable commercial success. Finds or develops 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 material efficiency

• Build and maintain a close relationship with interfaces such as Design, Creation Center Product Development, Material Sourcing, Quality and Suppliers

• Ensure availability of correct materials data in PDM (technical data, cost, toolbox, lifecycle)

• Identify suitable sources for new material developments (aligned with material sourcing strategy) and guide suppliers to translate the design vision into new, innovative material which meet commercial needs of the brand

• Initiate and monitor all material developments (work together with suppliers, Sourcing, Quality and MDI innovation Managers) 

• Ensure that all selected materials are being tested and approved by Footwear Quality in accordance with applicable calendar timelines

• Cooperate with cross-functional team to create a focused material toolbox and coach the cross-functional team on how to improve material efficiencies

• Set up and maintain the materials library and work on continuously improving the setup and tools for the product creation teams  

• Provide latest information on material trends to the respective Business Units/ categories also by gathering innovative input from relevant fairs, supplier meetings, apparel material show etc

• Support Innovation projects and ensure their successful technical implementation and documentation in alignment with the MDI innovation Managers

• Act as a gate keeper for a selected Material Types to ensure alignment and avoid duplications of materials

KEY RELATIONSHIPS 

• Marketing
• Design
• Sourcing
• BOPS 
• MDI internal contacts
• Suppliers  T2 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Advanced communication skills, especially when interacting with different levels of business
• Ability to create, plan and effectively deliver presentations in formal and informal settings
• Ability to anticipate problems, offers solutions, and address issues with materials in order to meet the Design team’s aesthetic goals and financial targets
• Ability to cope with change
• Ability to work independently or with limited guidance
• Ability to accept and meet critical deadlines with good planning and organization skills
• Fluent English (verbal and written)
• Strong IT skills (e-mail, MS office)

REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Four year college or university degree in textile engineering or comparable degree/education
2. Minimum of 3-5 years work experience in the Materails production industry (knowledge of manufacturing process, fabrics,materials, mechanical and chemical treatments)