PURPOSE
• A key player in Global Sourcing in driving Sourcing’s vision to be the Most Agile, Most Competitive, Most Digitalized & Cleanest Supply Base in the industry.
• Drive development, commercialization, product integrity, manufacturability, Create to Value (CTV), performance to target FOB for all products in the designated representative of the categories.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Lead a development/commercialization for one or more categories being assigned ensuring that products consistently exceed customer expectations in respect to fit, comfort, design integrity, performance, perceived value, manufacturability and quality.
• Oversee the direct development process between Headquarter/Creation Center and Tier 1 factory. Manages the development of cohesive and customer focused cross Sourcing Functions teams to ensure that product integrity and Create to Value is the paramount priority and focus.
• Manage relationship with the factory development team leaders to continually upgrade sports category competence, development innovation capability, and technical expertise.
• Exhibits “product eyes” and sports competence to influence and drive the overall product direction of the specific category(s) he/she manages.
• Make decisions within the defined development and commercialization scope for the categor(ies) being assigned.
• Give input to issuing directives in development, commercialization and related area.
• Influence HQ (Design, Marketing, Brand Ops, Quality) and external parties and drive change using principle centered vs policy driven with adidas Standards as the center of focus in managing/solving conflicts.
• Develop and coach team to ensure the best standards of performance, appropriate skill set, and strong succession plans are in place.
• Role model leadership to foster Diversity Equity & Inclusion culture that strives for an inclusive workplace.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS
• Global Sourcing: Manufacturing, Costing, Material, Planning, Product Quality, Product Testing & Compliance, E&MI
• Global Brands: HQ Product Teams (Design, Marketing, Brand Operations)
• Global Operations
• Other Global Functions Team: Social and Environmental Affairs/Government Affairs ect
• External stakeholders: Sourcing Suppliers (Factory head of development / commercialization, factory development / commercialization team, factory sample room heads, T2 / T3 suppliers)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Have relevant knowledge and expertise and able to drive LO/regional based projects within defined scope of development & commercialization.
• Strong Project Management skill
• Strong influencing people, presentation and communication skills
• Proven ability in leading multidimensional teams
• Fluent in English (written and spoken)
• Strong Microsoft office skills

REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• University degree in engineering or related areas
• Minimum 7+ years of relevant experience in the industry with technical capability and managerial experience.
• Experience in pattern engineering, product creation, mold making, grading, materials processing etc.