Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization

Own the definition of 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.

Build and enhance performance validation tools, guidelines, and processes.

Act as a key driver of innovation for development teams in Innovation and the brand.

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

• Curiosity for science and technology with a passion for making insights in the field of sport
• Ability to understand scientific and complex information, and communicate this to technical and non-technical audiences
• Proven knowledge in football (soccer) performance, ideally including product
• Educate and train colleagues by sharing knowledge on an on-going basis
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and within a team atmosphere
• Fluent English (required), German (advantageous)
• Communicate and negotiate effectively
• Cooperate well, develop and maintain relationships
• Work independently as well as part of a team
• Plan working time efficiently, balancing short term tasks with long term goals
• Strong analytical skills, solution driven and result oriented
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications

• University degree in sport science or relevant field
• 8 years of working experiences (PhD or relevant experiences will be considered)