Senior Designer CAM Footwear - BU Running (m/f/d)

SENIOR DESIGNER COLOR & MATERIALS

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 ORGANISATION

To design and lead others in designing industry leading executions of Footwear through color, material, and construction.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Continuously aware and guides team on information needed to design a consumer and brand relevant collection. Should include all possible sources to gain this information
• Trade fairs, cultural events, and sporting events, athlete insights
• Trade publications, general interest press, trend services, fashion and sportswear magazines and websites
• Store checks, market visits, and team travel as provided
• Relevant forecast and sell-through numbers from our Marketing counterparts

Is a stakeholder in driving seasonal and long-term design direction and strategy for their category within the following topics
• Footwear Color and Materials
• Footwear Silhouettes
• Color and Material Direction
• Creating digital product information for an accurate development, feedback, decision-making and representation process

Is a stakeholder in curating aforementioned design direction by, but not limited to
• Providing trend forecasting content relevant to our consumer and brand
• Providing direction and assisting in developing materials with the Material Team
• Providing direction and vision in developing color & material strategies with Creative Direction
• Working with Local and Global counterparts to provide category relative Color and Material direction when required
• Leads as a Color and Trend conduit to Marketing, Product Managers, Designers and in between Key Account and Inline
• Acts as a brand ambassador between all categories looking for opportunities to connect direction, product, and people
• Assisting in creating and creating color design direction presentations

Works closely with members of the category’s design team. This includes but is not limited to:
• Providing Color and Material direction and content
• Collaboration and critiquing
• To understand technical details of the product
• To understand market needs and desire of product

Works closely with members of the categories design team. This includes but is not limited to:
• Providing Color and Material direction and content
• Collaboration and critiquing
• Sets a leading example within the team and mentors
• Transfers prior experiences and knowledge to those around them
• Viewed within the team as a Color and Material leader, expert and senior

Leads top-line range strategy in their categories. This includes but is not limited to:
• Leads their team in creating holistic franchise direction, category overviews, rollouts, and merchandising strategy for the category
• Communicate content to Footwear, Apparel, and Graphics Teams to align strategy
• Inform horizontal brand moments and category moments by leading products, Color and Material narratives/executions, and tiered rollout plans in partnership with Design, Marketing, and Concept To Consumer. This is a collaborative effort across disciplines & functions together.

PRODUCT EXECUTION

Manages in designing Footwear Color and Material executions for Inline and Key Account ranges with input from Design, Marketing, and Development. This includes but is not limited to:
• Seasonal prep and research stated above
• Creates product design presentations; both physical and digital
• Exploratory process to reach final solution
• Creates Color CADs, Color ranges, Material Maps, & Graphic Maps.
• Guides their team in creating a quality and merchandisable range by having a detail to top-line view of all products
• Works closely with Development to assist in development process & costing; meet development timelines and calendar deadlines per seasonal milestone.
• Travel to Asia for development trips
• Collaborate, guide and workshop with markets and accounts where applicable
• Assists in communicating inspiration and storytelling to Marketing and Concept To Consumer

Has experienced knowledge and a higher understanding of product. From color, material, construction, to production.

AUTHORITZATION

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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability and desire to manage others, which includes but is not limited to:
• Influencing and leading a team
• Productive critiquing and mentoring
• Creating more efficient, creative, and positive working environment
• A strong working knowledge of footwear construction and production
• A detailed understanding of the creation process
• A strong knowledge of material suppliers, material production, and technical material feasibilities
• Implement the creative vision for a multitude of color concepts with a focus on Footwear color application and expression, including Graphics
• Guide color labdip, finishes trials and graphic strikes-off process to ensure color quality meet standards and aesthetic direction.
• Computer Skills
• Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop
• Power Point/Key Note/InDesign
• Apple Mac Operating system
• Understanding of brand history and current positioning
• Understanding of marketplace (Footwear/ Running/performance Sports/ Culture/ Lifestyle) history, consumer, and current positioning
• Has a strong understanding of Color and Material trends, application, and cycles
• Ability to understand design concepts and think conceptually
• Ability to create designs that meet category needs and commercial opportunities
• Ability to design for new initiatives and products with a fresh, innovative perspective
• Ability to operate agile in a fast pace, ever changing work environment
• Works well in a team environment. This position requires employee to engage with many stakeholders, as well as manage various information and relationships
• Ability and desire to push themselves, others, and the brand forward
• Ability to influence, negotiate, and collaborate with key business partners
• Strong presentation skills
• 3D skills and knowledge of virtual tools are beneficial but not required

REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Four year college or university degree in industrial, graphics, apparel or footwear design
• Direct experience in footwear design, fashion design or any design relevant environment
• Thorough knowledge of art and design with clear understanding of visual design or any design related environment
• Six years relevant work experience
• Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be substituted for degree