Manager Development Apparel - Sports Performance Running (m/f/d)

In this role you lead end-to-end development of medium-complexity apparel from concept to production readiness, partnering with pattern, material experts, product marketing, design and suppliers. You ensure product integrity, fit and cost targets while applying sport-specific knowledge to enhance performance. You will guide T1 manufacturing inputs and support cross-functional projects to deliver high-quality, market-ready garments. This is a hands-on role that shapes how adidas translates design into scalable products. You help drive efficiency, quality and cost discipline across the development process.

• Own the apparel development process for assigned products, ensuring on-time delivery and adherence to calendar
• Lead fit approvals, size specs, workmanship decisions, and fitting meetings
• Provide technical solutions addressing manufacturability, production, and material properties
• Coordinate handover of design packs to T1 with complete technical information
• Act as technical expert and advise on manufacturing efficiency and T1 comments
• Research and integrate garment construction innovations from market or suppliers
• Review costing information to meet cost targets and secure FOB quotes
• Ensure fabrics, trims, colors, processes, and samples meet Adidas quality/testing standards
• Manage quality issues and escalate when needed
• Verify size sets and merchantability of full size range when required
• Sign off on sealing samples with all documentation before buy-ready dates
• Ensure compliance with published policies for final AD and data accuracy in systems
• Pursue KPIs such as on-time buy-ready, margins, sustainability, and SMS delivery
• Foster knowledge sharing and mentor junior team members
• Support cross-functional projects as required

• Advanced knowledge of material construction and testing
• Advanced knowledge of wear and physical product testing
• Advanced knowledge of production garment construction and manufacturing
• Ability to fit a garment and communicate changes to T1
• Advanced knowledge of costing and negotiation abilities
• Effective communication and negotiation skills
• Fluent in English (written and spoken)
• Strong IT skills (MS Office) and experience with Product Data Management Systems
• Domestic and international travel as required
• Minimum 2 years of relevant apparel product development experience

• Effective communication
• Negotiation
• Mentoring/people development
• Material construction and testing
• Garment production and manufacturing processes
• Costing and cost target management