Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization:
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 Developer Apparel, you will (1) drive the end-to-end development process for assigned low complexity products from concept brief to production readiness and (2) assist in driving the development of medium complexity products. You will work in strong partnership with pattern and material experts as well as product marketing, design and suppliers.
With the support of experienced team members and on-the-job training, you will have the possibility to take over increasing responsibilities and grow into the role of a Manager Development Apparel.
Key Responsibilities:
- Take accountability for the entire apparel development management process for assigned products, with an emphasis on product integrity, product engineering and timely completion of all tasks in accordance with the corporate operating calendar. Apply sport-specific understanding to enhance product performance.
- Manage fit approval and size specification process, lead fitting meeting and take decisions on workmanship and construction.
- Assist in providing technical solutions by analyzing designs for manufacturability, production and material properties which address desired function and market appeal.
- Manage handover of design pack to T1 to ensure that all technical information provided to T1 is complete.
- Act as technical expert and guide/consult design and product marketing on T1 manufacturing efficiency suggestions. Manage comments to T1.
- Research innovation from market or suppliers regarding garment construction, pattern, fit, embellishment and trims. Partner with Innovation, Sourcing, Tier-1 and Tier-2 suppliers to implement into product creation.
- Review, validate and approve T1 costing information to ensure products are engineered in accordance with cost targets throughout the entire creation process. Secure initial FOB cost quotes and follow-up price adjustments. Negotiate final costs with T1 as needed.
- Ensure that all fabrics, trims, colors, processes and development samples are fully tested to ensure adherence to adidas’ quality and testing standards.
- Manage quality and process escalations with senior manager as needed.
- If required, review size sets for accuracy of measurements and merchantability of complete size range for fit.
- Review and sign off sealing sample with complete AD including all related documents prior to buy ready dates.
- Ensure full conformity to published policies to ensure a final legal AD for final product
- Ensure accuracy, completeness and timeliness of data by continuously updating the system.
- Responsible for achieving specific KPIs (e.g. margins , sustainability, and on-time SMS delivery) for assigned articles/produc
Key Relationships:
- Product Design
- Product Marketing
- Product Operations (Product Development, Materials Development, Pattern Making, Testing & Quality, Costing, Planning)
- Sourcing
- Tier 1 supplier
- Digital Creation
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Basic knowledge of material construction and related testing
- Basic knowledge of wear and physical product testing
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Basic knowledge of production garment construction and manufacturing
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Ability to fit a garment and comment to T1 on changes required
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Basic knowledge of costing and ability to negotiate as required
- Effective communication and negotiation skills
- English language proficiency required (reading and writing)
- Strong IT skills (MS Office) and ability to work with Product Data Management Systems
- Domestic and International Travel as required
Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:
- University degree in clothing technology or manufacturing, or technical degree as apparel technician
- Alternatively, combination of relevant education, experience, and training
- First practical experience through internships or work experience required