Apparel Developer

The Apparel Developer is responsible for managing the product development process for assigned styles from seasonal kick-off through to commercialisation, collaborating with internal teams and suppliers to provide an effective transition from brief and design to development and 'buy-ready' product, on time, within the agreed margin parameters and at the required quality standards. Two roles are available: one supporting the development of Major League Soccer (MLS) apparel, bringing authentic performance and fan products from concept to market, and one supporting the development of American football uniforms, with possible contribution to Dugout uniforms and teamwear programmes. Both teams work closely with Design, Product Marketing, Sourcing, Pattern Making, Testing and Manufacturing partners to ensure products meet quality, fit, performance and timeline expectations.

• Communicate all necessary information to Marketing, Design, Suppliers and LO/OC to ensure the effective and efficient creation of outstanding product.
• Align target price and product designs through predictive costing, and review, validate and approve T1 costing information throughout the entire creation process, ensuring compliance with agreed standards and negotiating with T1 as needed.
• Manage the handover from design to T1 to ensure that all information provided to T1 is complete, and manage T1 feedback to design and marketing, incorporating it where quality or cost can be improved without sacrificing product aesthetics.
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry by T1 regarding AD/BOM, costing or other data as required at calendar milestones.
• Evaluate all prototypes for compliance with AD; manage fit approval and size specification, and approval of colour, accessories and materials; and manage comments to T1.
• Ensure that all materials and accessories as well as prototypes are tested and adhere to adidas quality, safety and A01 standards, managing quality exceptions with senior management as needed.
• Review size sets for accuracy of measurements and merchantability of the complete size range, including logo placement and fit, where required.
• Review and sign off the sealing sample with complete AD and all related documents prior to buy-ready dates, ensuring full conformity to published policies to deliver a final legal AD for the final product.
• Research innovation from the market or supply chain in garment construction, pattern and fit, embellishment and trims, and work cross-functionally with marketing, Design, Quality and Testing, Sourcing and T1/T2 teams to implement it into product creation.

• College or university degree in clothing technology and/or manufacturing, or comparable education.
• Minimum 4 years of work experience in the garment/textile industry.
• Knowledge of material construction and related testing.
• Knowledge of wear and physical product testing.
• Knowledge of production garment construction and manufacturing.
• Ability to fit a garment and comment to T1 on changes required.
• Knowledge of costing and ability to negotiate as required.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills.
• Understanding of the respective vision and strategy for the brands, with the ability to communicate that vision and strategy, as well as the success criteria needed from sourcing and T1 teams, to LO/OC/T1.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).
• Strong IT skills (MS Office) and ability to work with Product Data Management Systems.
• Domestic and international travel as required.
• Strong attention to detail, excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of garment construction and the ability to work cross-functionally with Design, Product Marketing, Sourcing, Pattern Making and Testing teams.
• Enjoys problem-solving, communication and collaborating across multiple stakeholders.

• Experience with 3D product creation tools, such as CLO 3D, is a plus.
• Garment testing and wear-testing knowledge is a plus.

• Hybrid work policy requiring attendance in the office Monday through Thursday, with the flexibility to work remotely on Friday each week; for work requiring a high degree of collaboration or an in-person presentation, in-office attendance is required even on Friday.

• Robust and progressive medical coverage, including an HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer funding or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) options.
• Dental, vision and prescription drug coverage.
• Adoption support, including surrogate and fertility support.
• Short and long-term disability, and basic life and AD&D insurance, which can be supplemented with employee-paid coverage.
• Enrolment in adidas' 401k plan and Stock Purchase Plan with employer match.
• Education assistance for full-time employees.
• Generous leave policies, including 14 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Eligibility to earn an annual bonus based on both company and personal performance.
• Prorated flexible time off accrued at.4388 hours per day, increasing with years of service.
• Twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year and Service Time Off during milestone years.

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