Senior Director Innovation Apparel - CD&I

Global Sports Jobs Limited; Herzogenaurach; On-site; EUR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

adidas is seeking a Senior Director Innovation Apparel - CD&I to lead the cross-functional apparel incubation team and steer all apparel innovations from concept to wearables by athletes.

You will coordinate design, development, engineering and manufacturing, build strategic partnerships, manage budgets and timelines, and mentor a diverse team while aligning with brand strategy and business goals.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years in the apparel industry.
• 5+ years in a senior leadership role in apparel.
• Bachelor's degree in Apparel Design, Textile Engineering, Fashion Merchandising or related field.
• Experience leading teams and managing budgets.
• Experience integrating sustainable practices into product development.
• Knowledge of athletics market and industry trends.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of innovative apparel initiatives, including product ideation, research, development and launch.
• Monitor emerging trends, technologies and materials in the apparel industry and integrate relevant advancements into product development strategies.
• Cooperate closely with all Innovation and partner functions to drive strategy, concepts and projects for sport categories and horizontal initiatives.
• Foster a culture of innovation within the apparel incubation team, encouraging creativity and continuous improvement.
• Orchestrate collaboration between design, development, engineering, science and manufacturing teams to ensure alignment and execution of innovative projects.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with external vendors, research institutions and industry experts.
• Oversee budgets, timelines and resources for apparel innovation projects, ensuring efficient use of resources and timely delivery of results.
• Provide leadership, mentorship and guidance to a cross-functional team.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Project management

Communication

Innovation mindset

Sustainability in product development

Apparel design and manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Apparel Design, Textile Engineering, Fashion Merchandising or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

About the Role

The Senior Director Innovation Apparel - CD&I leads the cross-functional Innovation apparel incubation team and all apparel innovation initiatives across adidas Innovation. The role is accountable for driving the development of groundbreaking apparel products from conceptualisation to products being worn by top athletes during the world's biggest moments in sport, driving industry trends and delivering against performance-enhancing athlete opportunities. The Senior Director orchestrates cross-functional teams to ensure the successful execution of innovation apparel projects that align with the innovation mission and vision, brand direction and business objectives. The role works closely with Innovation teams including the Innovation SLT, Creative Direction, Business Units including key stakeholders, Sports Marketing, Athlete Servicing and adidas athletes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of innovative apparel initiatives, including product ideation, research, development and launch.
• Monitor emerging trends, technologies and materials in the apparel industry and integrate relevant advancements into product development strategies.
• Cooperate closely with all Innovation and partner functions, including Business Units key stakeholders, to drive strategy, concepts and projects for sport categories and horizontal initiatives.
• Foster a culture of innovation within the apparel incubation team, encouraging creativity, risk-taking and continuous improvement among team members.
• Orchestrate collaboration between design, Development, engineering, science and manufacturing teams to ensure shared goals, alignment and seamless execution of innovative projects.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with external vendors, research institutions and industry experts to enhance innovation capabilities and access new opportunities.
• Oversee the management of budgets, timelines and resources for apparel innovation projects, ensuring efficient use of resources and timely delivery of results.
• Provide leadership, mentorship and guidance to a team of cross-functional professionals, fostering their professional growth and development.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Practical experience in the field of textile manufacturing/engineering, including management experience with a focus on apparel innovation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of product manufacturing with a clear understanding of the athletics market and its culture.
• Proven track record of success in leading apparel innovation initiatives, with at least 5 years of experience in a senior leadership role within the apparel industry.
• Extensive knowledge of apparel design, materials, manufacturing processes and industry trends.
• Experience in integrating sustainable practices into apparel product development.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate market insights and consumer preferences into innovative product concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, budgets and timelines effectively.
• Collaborative mindset with a passion for driving collaboration and fostering a culture of innovation within the organisation.
• Bachelor's degree in Apparel Design, Textile Engineering, Fashion Merchandising or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the apparel industry.
• At least 5 years of experience leading teams.

Preferred Skills

• Advanced degree in a relevant field is preferred.

About the Company

adidas believes that embedding diversity, equity and inclusion into its culture and talent processes gives employees a sense of belonging and the brand a real competitive advantage.