Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization

Define research-informed athlete problem statements, drive athlete engagement requirements to address these statements, and conduct research, non-standardized testing, and validation to solve against identified problems.

Discover, support, and deliver sport credibility as part of the cross-functional Athlete Performance team.

Provide metrics and methods to ensure efficiency of research and development efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive internal and external programs which deliver sports science insights to increase the understanding of the athlete and athlete-product interactions
• Utilize scientific expertise to develop and implement protocols that deliver performance insights
• Drive research programs with external partners, to constantly increase the team’s capabilities
• Drive new validation strategies, including both perception and performance testing, to efficiently evaluate and document the benefit of product and experience for athletes
• Manage and execute research and non-standardized testing of prototypes and innovative product concepts, prior to commercialization, in close cooperation with other members of the Athlete Performance team
• Collaborate with the cross-functional Innovation team to bring new concepts to life, via sports science insights, which enable an increased performance

Key Relationships

• Innovation teams
• Athlete Servicing
• Testing & Quality
• Business Units
• Research institutions and industrial and academic partners

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thought leader with a strategic mindset
• Big picture and visionary thinking
• Proven collaboration and people skills
• Team oriented and compelling presence and good communication skills with proven ability to motivate, network, and influence across business levels effectively
• Industry knowledge and knowledge of the sporting goods industry in product, engineering, and production

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications

• PhD or master’s degree in data science, sport science, engineering, or equivalent experience required
• Minimum 5 years industry relevant experience in research, engineering, or similar position