Senior Materials Development Lead (Hybrid)

adidas; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

adidas in Portland, Oregon seeks a Materials Development Specialist to lead cross-functional material initiatives and ensure data integrity in our systems. You will partner with Design, Sourcing, Quality and Suppliers to translate creative vision into innovative materials aligned with brand strategy.

The role requires at least five years in material development, a textile engineering background, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• College/university degree in textile engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience in material development.
• Working language is English; ability to collaborate across interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Be the key contact and consultant for all material related questions for all internal interfaces
• Lead cross-functional discussions related to materials topics and drive material consolidation to improve efficiency
• Build and maintain a close relationship with internal and external interfaces such as Design, Creation Center Product Development, Material Sourcing, Quality and Suppliers
• Ensure availability and accuracy of materials data in internal administration system (technical data, cost, toolbox, lifecycle)
• Identify suitable sources for new material developments according to sourcing strategy and in line with garment allocation
• Interact and guide Tier 2 suppliers to translate the design vision into new, innovative material which meet commercial needs of the brand
• Initiate and monitor all seasonal material developments (work together with Tier 2 suppliers, Sourcing, Quality and Advanced Creation) and be responsible for initial material price negotiations with suppliers during development stage
• Ensure that all selected materials are tested and released by Materials Quality in accordance with applicable calendar timelines and adidas quality standards
• Cooperate with cross-functional team to create a focused material toolbox and provide guidance on how to improve material efficiencies
• Continuously improvement through regular consolidation and verification of materials library for cross functional communities, enforce material sharing where possible
• Provide latest information/research on material trends to the respective Business Units/ categories also by gathering input from internal stakeholders, fairs, supplier meetings, apparel material show etc.
• Responsible for working with horizontal teams to translate the innovation and sustainable concepts to Business plan in Business units.

Skills

Communication & presentation

Influencing skills

Apparel creation process knowledge

Planning & organization

MS Office

3D creation process experience

Continuous learning mindset

Hybrid work policy understanding

Education

Textile engineering degree

Tools

MS Office

Material database tools

3D creation tools

Job description

adidas in Portland, Oregon seeks a Materials Development Specialist to lead cross-functional material initiatives and ensure data integrity in our systems. You will partner with Design, Sourcing, Quality and Suppliers to translate creative vision into innovative materials aligned with brand strategy.

The role requires at least five years in material development, a textile engineering background, and strong communication skills.