PURPOSE & OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANIZATION
We’ll never launch a product unless we consider it perfect. Our product operations teams create every shirt, every shoe and every piece of equipment for thousands of athletes and fashion lovers as if it was one of a kind. And it truly is, as they weave their passion into every single product. But translating designs, drawings and renderings into real products requires a lot of decision making.As Manager Concept Testing you are a key contributor in the Concept testing process by leading the execution and evaluation of performance product tests with devices as well as performance measurements with athletes in the lab and in the field. You will translate the results into recommendations for new product developments and validation. In addition, this role drives internal and external research to ensure best in class testing procedures and world class applied sport science knowledge (i.e. biomechanics, physiology).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Concept Testing (operational)
- Plan and execute all kinds of mechanical performance-oriented product tests (using appropriate equipment) and human performance tests (in a sport science lab environment and in the field) within the given timelines and according to the latest testing standards
- Plan and execute studies in the specific environments leveraging sensors and means that can be used outside of the lab
- Evaluate, track and analyse test results and write scientific reports, summaries and presentations. Communicate results through comprehensive presentations or other means to the BU cross functional partners (in APP and FTW respectively) Translate and implement test results into recommendations for product and concept development
- Ensure proper data management and storage in the respective systems (i.e. TRO & adidas Testing Portal) on time and in accurate format
- Support Perception and Lab Testing colleagues in execution of relevant tests to ensure that crucial timelines are met and to achieve overarching AC-T&Q goals
- Collaborate with Athlete Performance and other Innovation functions on validation and transition of projects into regular inline development. Foster functional essence of innovative concepts during inline creation and following seasons. Collaborate with Advanced Creation Testing & Quality peers, legal and creative direction colleagues to drive product advertisement compliance topics for new technologies and products
- Initiate continuous development of the testing process through the development of new test methods or equipment to assess new technologies
- Collaborate with Concept Excellence team members as well as the wider AC-T&Q team to leverage knowledge from work for other categories and explore and define specific research projects
- Mentor and educate team members and cross functional partners to develop specific performance and research understanding
Concept Testing (tactical)
- Develop a strategic research and testing plan aligned with Business Units roadmaps and Innovation transition plans and ambitions
- Drive continuous research and exploration using broad and deep sport science knowledge
- Leverage existing and build a strong network creating new partnerships and forging new ways of working with key internal and external partners
- Initiate and drive new research and consulting projects with world class universities, start-ups and consulting groups to deliver best in class testing and products
- Create expert knowledge of biomechanics and/or physiology within key business partners to support performance driven products
- Act as Testing Ambassador by proactively meet with key stakeholders to understand long-term performance needs, elevate testing with valued presence and expertise and strengthen collaboration and support beyond creation calendars
- Consult x-functional teams on performance related issues and communicate product opportunities and business risks.
- Participate in and contribute to consumer centric testing projects and open-source meetings to identify athlete needs related to best product performance
- Drive testing enhancements through research/exploration linked to business needs
- Provide input and contribute to defining the future direction of performance testing during line reviews to ensure success integration of new products in targeted seasons
- Prepare concept and results-based reports and presentations, communicating to technical and non-technical audiences
- Resolve or escalate project issues/risks based on expertise
- Plan and provide training and education for key stakeholders on biomechanics, physiology, performance testing and what they offer for the respective business partners and their projects
- Strategize on ways to improve performance testing of product through technological, organizational and process viewpoints
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
- X-functional Advanced Creation - Testing & Quality team
- Advanced Creation Functions
- X-functional Product Creation Teams for assigned Business Units
- adidas Innovation Team
- Athlete Servicing and Sports Marketing
- Legal
- Digital Teams
External
- Testers, testing facilities, coaches and athletes
- Academic partners
- Consultants
- Testing equipment vendors
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Ability to think on a tactical and operational level at the same time
- Strong biomechanical and/or physiology knowledge and how that relates to product performance and development
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Curiosity for science and technology with a passion for making insights in these fields
- Strong networking abilities
- Ability to understand scientific and complex information and synthesize comprehensible insights to various skillsets
- Good communication, organizational and presentation skills
- Computer literacy (Word, Excel, Powerpoint,Office 365) with the ability to analyse and understand large datasets, programming skills in Phython required, other programming languages of advantage
- Demonstrate the ability to work independently and within a team atmosphere
REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/ MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD or Master degree in biomechanics, physiology, (bio)mechanical engineering, or equivalent
- Minimum 2 years of progressive working experience (first work experience with PhD)
adidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an equal opportunity employer.