Assistant Manager Athlete Product Excellence (m/f/d)

adidas is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people of all ages, genders (incl. gender identity), ethnic and social backgrounds, nationalities, sexual orientations, religions and beliefs, and those with apparent or non-apparent disabilities*. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees.

*We actively encourage individuals with disabilities to apply and will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.


PURPOSE & OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANIZATION

• Responsible for Athlete Product Excellence (APEX) product development
• Supports the management and coordination of operational processes for APEX products, to assure high-quality products, fulfilling our athletes’ needs and supports to ensure successful onfield product launches
• Works towards customized product creation workstreams, in close cooperation with factories in Germany and in Asia, to create custom made footwear and apparel for all contracted athletes according to their individual needs
• Ensures in-time deliveries of PAOs (Pro Athlete Orders), to guarantee on-field visibility of key brand product franchises, supporting the APEX team to achieve outstanding results
• Drives PAO forecasting and monitoring in-time deliveries
• Assists APEX Operations across all categories

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

People

• Supports the APEX Operations team with all operational tasks, related to custom products incl. commercialization, technology transfer, toolbox meetings/updates, direct development with factories in Asia

Product

• Assists to specify needs and requirements of the athlete for product customization (performance, fit & comfort, accessorizing and rehabilitation) for APEX Manufaktur / sample shops
• Supports specifying the APEX version of an inline product in close cooperation with APEX Manager, the inline BU, the factory in Asia
• Briefs and specifies APEX articles on a seasonal basis incl. article creation, tech pack and related communication with T1/2, by using the system landscape such as BPS (Brand Partnerships Servicing) and MP/ PDM
• Supports creating and maintaining the product specific toolbox and ensures the possibility to report on modifications that have been made, for further analysis and potential improvements
• Assists and supports the respective factories in setting up APEX specific quality management systems for all sourced components and direct development

Process

• Manages PAOs towards the APEX team in Herzo and T1/T2 supplier in Asia & SEF
• Executes tasks, including PAO forecast, order placement, delivery tracking, invoicing, KPI monitoring
• Follows up together with Asian factories for correct invoicing of PAO
• Supports the communication between APEX and the respective factories to assure high-quality products fulfilling the needs of adidas key athletes
• Monitors shipment of custom products, to ensure efficient process and in-time delivery, to guarantee on field visibility of key brand products
• Provides feedback on the APEX system landscape and processes, to continuously improve
• Manages and drives daily operational tasks, to support the APEX team, e.g. travel booking, budget monitoring, purchasing /PO creation in Ariba

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• APEX Managers Operations, Sr Production Manager APEX Manufaktur, APEX Athlete Interaction Managers, German Factory, Asian Factory, Sample Shop, Inline Developer, Product Marketing, CTC Manager, LO Manager of respective factories, T2 supplier, Accounting, Travel Management, Controller

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Product creation knowledge (e.g. materials, components, modifications, assembly technologies, pattern and tooling making)
• Current product manufacturing processes and technologies
• Passion for sports
• Preferably knowledge in anatomy, biomechanics and sports related injury/overuse wear pattern
• Excellent communication skills required
• Experience in project management
• Strong problem-solving skills
• IT
• Outlook, Excel, Word, Power Point advanced
• Languages: German (fluent), English (fluent)
• Support business (project & processes)
• Support to provide a framework for performance
• Result orientation
• Ability to work individually, with high degree of flexibility

REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Preferably College degree
• International mind-set
• Fluent in English
• 1-3 years relevant work experience