Sr. Designer Color & Materials - BU Sportswear and Training (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 ORGANISATION

To design and lead others in designing industry leading executions of Footwear and/or Apparel 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 and Apparel Color

Footwear Materials

Footwear and Apparel Silhouettes

Graphics/Print Direction

Creating 3D concept representation, 3D assets, digital product information for an accurate development and decision-making 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

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 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 content and direction

Collaboration and critiquing

To understand technical details of the product

Works closely with members of the categories design team. This includes but is not limited to:

Providing Color and Material content and direction

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 expert and senior

Leads top-line range strategy in their categories. This includes but is not limited to:

Leads their team in creating holistic 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.

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, 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

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.

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

Computer Skills

Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop

Power Point/Key Note

Apple Mac Operating system

Understanding of brand history and current positioning

Understanding of marketplace (Footwear/streetwear/urban) 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 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

Strong 3D skills and knowledge of virtual tools are required

APP tools: Clo3D, Browzwear, VStitcher or similar 3D fashion design tools

FTW tools: Rhino, Modo, ICAD Pro, or similar 3D design tools

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