POSITION OVERVIEW

At adidas, we never launch a product unless we consider it perfect.

Our product development teams create every shirt, every shoe, and every piece of equipment with precision, craftsmanship, and passion. Translating creative concepts into commercially successful products requires strong collaboration, informed decision making, and deep expertise across every stage of the product creation process.

As Manager Materials Development Apparel, you will play a critical role in driving the apparel material development process by ensuring the availability of innovative and commercially viable materials across fabrics, trims, and prints. This role partners closely with Design, Product Development, Sourcing, and suppliers to support strategic product direction while balancing quality, cost, sourcing, and calendar requirements.

This position serves as a key cross-functional leader and consultant for all material-related topics while driving material innovation, consolidation, and process efficiency. The role requires strong partnership across global teams and external suppliers to bring the adidas vision to life through elevated materials that support both consumer and business needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Material Strategy: Serve as the key contact and consultant for all material-related topics across internal cross-functional teams.

Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead discussions related to materials and guide the material selection process while driving material consolidation and efficiency initiatives.

Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with Design, Creation Center Product Development, Material Sourcing, Quality, and external suppliers.

Data Management: Ensure availability and accuracy of material data within internal systems including technical data, costing, toolbox management, and lifecycle information.

Material Innovation: Identify and develop suitable material sources aligned with sourcing strategy, garment allocation, and business objectives.

Supplier Collaboration: Partner with Tier 2 suppliers to translate design vision into innovative materials that meet commercial and performance requirements.

Development Management: Initiate and manage seasonal material developments while coordinating with suppliers, Sourcing, Quality, and Advanced Creation teams.

Cost Negotiation: Support initial material price negotiations with suppliers during the development process.

Quality Assurance: Ensure all selected materials are tested and approved by Materials Quality according to adidas quality standards and development timelines.

Toolbox Optimization: Collaborate with cross-functional partners to create focused material toolboxes and improve material efficiency strategies.

Library Consolidation: Continuously improve and maintain material libraries through consolidation, verification, and material-sharing initiatives.

Trend Research: Provide updates on material trends and innovations through market research, supplier engagement, fairs, and industry events.

Innovation Integration: Partner with horizontal teams to translate innovation and sustainability concepts into actionable business plans across categories.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in material development or a related field.

• Strong knowledge of the apparel creation process and material development lifecycle.

• Strong communication, presentation, and influencing skills.

• Solution-oriented mindset with the ability to identify material-related challenges and recommend alternatives.

• Strong planning, organizational, and multitasking capabilities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and internal reporting or material management systems.

• English language proficiency required.

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as business needs require.

• Continuous learning mindset with strong adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience working with global apparel suppliers and Tier 2 manufacturing partners.

• Knowledge of material sourcing strategies and quality processes.

• Experience supporting sustainability and innovation initiatives within apparel materials.

• Familiarity with 3D creation processes and digital product creation tools.

• Experience collaborating with global cross-functional teams across North America and Asia.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is based in Los Angeles, California and follows adidas’ hybrid work model. Teammates are expected to work in-office Monday through Thursday with the flexibility to work remotely on Fridays. In-office attendance may also be required on Fridays when collaboration or presentations are needed.

The work environment is highly collaborative and fast-paced with frequent interaction across global cross-functional teams, suppliers, and creation centers. Domestic and international business travel may be required to support supplier engagement, development milestones, and industry events.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

This role operates within the Apparel Materials Development organization and partners closely with Marketing, Design, Sourcing, Product Operations, Quality, Sustainability, Advanced Creation, and external suppliers.

The position works cross-functionally with creation centers in North America and Asia while supporting strategic material development initiatives across multiple apparel categories and business units.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $108,000 to $115,000 annually.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and geographic location.

This position is eligible for annual bonus opportunities and other incentive programs in accordance with adidas compensation policies.

• Comprehensive medical coverage including HSA with employer funding or FSA options, dental, vision, and prescription plans.

• Adoption, surrogate, and fertility support programs.

• Short and long term disability coverage.

• Basic life and AD and D insurance with supplemental employee paid options.

• 401(k) plan and Stock Purchase Plan with employer match.

• Education assistance for eligible full time employees.

• 12 weeks of paid parental leave and generous leave policies.

• Flexible time off accrued at 0.4388 hours per day, increasing with tenure.

• Twelve paid holidays plus milestone Service Time Off.

• Employee product discounts and access to wellness programs.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at adidas means championing individual uniqueness and cultivating a culture of belonging where everyone can perform at their best.

We embrace diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and are committed to building teams that reflect the consumers and communities we serve.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.