Manager Materials Development - Golf

purpose & overall relevance for the organization

the manager, materials development develops, sources and commercializes materials for the global adidas golf accessories range, with primary focus on accessories and trim, golf bags, gloves and related products. The role ensures materials meet product intent, performance, quality, cost, sustainability, compliance and timing requirements.

the role adds capacity to the established carlsbad materials development capability and works as part of the accessories creation team with product marketing, design, product development, sourcing, suppliers and product development & sourcing partners.

• translate product and design briefs into clear material requirements for assigned accessories products.
• identify, source, develop and commercialize textiles, synthetics, leathers, foams, linings, reinforcements, coatings, trims and other relevant materials.
• manage material development from concept and sampling through testing, approval, costing, color confirmation and production readiness.
• maintain accurate material specifications, supplier information, test results, approvals and system data.
• ensure material deliverables meet seasonal calendar and product creation milestones.

• define required material performance in partnership with design, product development, quality and testing partners.
• coordinate laboratory and field testing for durability, abrasion, water resistance, colorfastness, grip, hand feel, weight and other product-relevant properties.
• resolve material quality, color, cost, lead-time and availability issues with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• ensure materials comply with adidas standards, restricted substances requirements and applicable legal and sustainability expectations.
• support root-cause analysis and corrective action for material failures or production issues.

• build productive relationships with nominated suppliers, mills, tanneries, component partners and sourcing.
• provide cost and lead-time insight early in the creation process and recommend alternatives that protect product intent and margin.
• identify new material technologies and supplier capabilities relevant to golf bags, gloves and accessories.
• partner with the broader materials development and pd&s organization to align standards, leverage shared capabilities and avoid duplication.

• owns material recommendations, specifications, development tracking and readiness for assigned accessories products.
• accountable for material performance, quality, compliance, cost visibility, data accuracy and on-time approvals.
• escalates material risks with significant product, financial, compliance, quality or timeline implications.

• senior director product operations and carlsbad materials development team
• accessories product marketing, design and product development
• sourcing, costing, quality and testing

• product development & sourcing materials teams
• suppliers, mills, tanneries and component partners
• sustainability, legal and compliance partners

• strong materials development knowledge across textiles, synthetics, leathers, foams, coatings, trims or related soft-goods materials.
• understanding of material testing, quality, color, costing, lead times and commercialization.
• ability to read product briefs and translate design intent into measurable material requirements.
• strong supplier communication, problem solving and project management.
• accurate technical documentation and product-system discipline.
• knowledge of bags, gloves or accessories manufacturing preferred.

• university degree in materials science, textile engineering, product development or a related field, or equivalent technical experience.
• 4+ years of relevant materials development, sourcing, testing or commercialization experience.
• experience working with suppliers and cross-functional product creation teams.
• experience with bags, gloves, footwear, apparel, equipment or related soft goods preferred.
• ability to travel to suppliers and creation partners as required.
• fluent english, written and spoken.
• diversity, equity, and inclusion at adidas means championing individual uniqueness and cultivating a culture of belonging in which everyone can create at their best. We embrace diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and seek to create a workforce that reflects our consumers and communities.
• adidas offers robust and progressive medical, including hsa (health savings account) with employer funding or fsa (flexible spending account) options, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, adoption, with surrogate and fertility support, short and long-term disability, and basic life and ad&d insurance, which can be supplemented with employee-paid coverage. Employees are able to enroll in…