Senior Manager, Materials Development; Apparel

Senior Manager, Materials Development (Apparel)

At adidas, we never launch a product unless we consider it perfect. Our product creation teams combine creativity, craftsmanship, innovation, and technical expertise to develop every product with purpose and precision. As Senior Manager, Materials Development (Apparel), you will play a key role in the end-to-end development and availability of innovative apparel materials that support strategic design and marketing direction. You will ensure materials meet product creation timelines, target costs, sourcing strategies, quality standards, and commercial requirements.

You will lead material-related collaboration across Design, Product Development, Sourcing, Quality, Sustainability, Advanced Creation, suppliers, and other global partners. Through strong technical expertise and informed decision making, you will translate creative vision into commercially viable material solutions while proactively managing development risks. This role is strategically important in advancing material innovation, consolidation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across the organization.

You will represent Materials Development in cross-functional initiatives, strengthen global processes and systems, and provide guidance and mentorship to developing team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Material Development Leadership
• Material Selection & Consolidation
• Cross-Functional Partnership
• Supplier Development
• Material Innovation
• Seasonal Development
• Quality & Testing
• Risk Management
• Material Data & Reporting
• Process Improvement
• Systems & Tools
• Calendar Management
• Financial Administration
• Material Trends & Insights
• Innovation & Sustainability
• Cross-Functional Representation
• Team Development

Required Qualifications

• College or university degree in engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, textile engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education, experience, and training.
• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in material development or a related field.
• Advanced knowledge of product creation and material development processes, with the ability to identify material-related issues and recommend viable alternatives.
• Strong communication, presentation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders across functions, geographies, and organizational levels.
• Strong planning and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced product creation environment.
• Experience leading projects, process improvements, or organizational change across multiple stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and solution-oriented mindset with the ability to make informed material and supplier decisions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant material database, administration, and reporting tools.
• English language proficiency required.
• Ability to travel for business as required.

Preferred Experience

• Experience developing apparel materials such as synthetics, films, knits, trims, injected materials, or related material technologies.
• Experience working directly with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers within a global product creation or sourcing environment.
• Experience with material innovation, sustainability initiatives, material consolidation, and supplier capability development.
• Experience working across global Creation Centers and geographically distributed cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with 3D product creation processes and digital material development tools.
• Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to junior team members and new employees.

Work Environment

This position follows adidas' hybrid work policy and is based in Los Angeles, California. Employees are expected to work in the office Monday through Thursday, with flexibility to work remotely on Friday. In-office attendance may also be required on Fridays when work requires a high degree of collaboration or an in-person presentation. The role operates within a fast-paced, global product creation environment and requires business travel as needed.

Reporting Structure

This Senior Manager role operates within the Materials Development organization and represents the team in cross-functional initiatives and leadership-level discussions. The position works closely with Marketing, Design, Sourcing, Quality, Product Development, Sustainability, Materials, Advanced Creation, Planning, Costing, IT, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, and Creation Centers across Asia, Europe, and North America. The role also provides guidance and mentorship to junior team members and new employees.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated low and high end of the base pay range for this position is $129,900 - $149,500. Actual salary will be based on various factors, such as a candidate's experience, qualifications, skills and competencies, proficiency for the role. Employees are eligible to earn an annual bonus based on both company and personal performance.…