Manager, Technical Development

POSITION OVERVIEW

At adidas, we never launch a product unless we consider it perfect.

Our product creation teams bring together technical expertise, innovative thinking, and a passion for craftsmanship to create apparel that performs at the highest level. Every product is thoughtfully engineered to deliver exceptional fit, function, quality, and consumer experience. Translating creative concepts into production-ready products requires technical precision, collaborative problem-solving, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

The Manager, Technical Development (Apparel) leads the end-to-end technical development of assigned apparel products, from initial concept through production readiness. This role drives product engineering, fit development, garment construction, and technical execution while ensuring products meet adidas standards for quality, performance, cost, and manufacturability.

Serving as a technical expert in 2D and 3D pattern engineering, this position advances pattern creation, grading, fit consistency, and digital product development. Working closely with Design, Product Marketing, Product Development, Materials Development, Innovation, and global manufacturing partners, the Manager translates creative direction into scalable technical solutions that strengthen product integrity, accelerate development, and support commercial success.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Technical Development Leadership: Own the end-to-end technical development of assigned apparel products, ensuring product integrity, engineering excellence, and timely execution against the global creation calendar.

• Product Engineering: Translate design concepts into technically sound and commercially viable products by evaluating garment construction, material properties, performance requirements, and manufacturing feasibility.

• Fit and Size Management: Lead fit approval, fitting sessions, and size specification processes. Make technical decisions on garment fit, workmanship, construction, and overall product execution.

• Pattern Engineering: Lead the creation, evaluation, and implementation of 2D and 3D patterns, including new model patterns and foundational pattern blocks aligned with consumer and market requirements.

• Fit Consistency and Grading: Develop and implement standardized grading rules, fit guidelines, and pattern engineering practices to ensure consistency across product ranges and global creation teams.

• Global Pattern Alignment: Partner with global pattern engineering teams to consolidate foundational patterns, align technical standards, and support consistent execution across business units and creation centers.

• Digital Product Creation: Advance digital pattern engineering and virtual prototyping through 2D and 3D technologies to improve development speed, accuracy, and efficiency.

• Technical Design Handover: Manage the transfer of complete and accurate technical design packages to Tier 1 suppliers, ensuring clear specifications and alignment on manufacturing requirements.

• Supplier Collaboration: Serve as a technical partner to manufacturing suppliers, providing guidance on pattern execution, garment construction, production efficiency, and technical problem-solving.

• Cost Engineering: Review and validate supplier costing, secure initial FOB quotations, and manage cost adjustments to achieve target margins while maintaining product quality and performance.

• Material and Construction Innovation: Identify and implement new garment construction techniques, materials, trims, embellishments, and pattern solutions in partnership with Innovation, Sourcing, and manufacturing teams.

• Product Testing and Validation: Ensure fabrics, trims, colors, garment constructions, and development samples meet adidas quality, performance, and testing standards.

• Wear Testing and Prototyping: Coordinate pattern validation, wear testing, and virtual or physical prototype evaluations to optimize fit, functionality, and product readiness.

• Sample Approval and Production Readiness: Review size sets when required and approve final sealing samples, technical documentation, and product specifications before established buy-ready milestones.

• Quality and Compliance: Ensure technical specifications, product documentation, and development processes comply with adidas quality standards, operational policies, and applicable requirements.

• Product Data Management: Maintain accurate and timely technical information within product creation systems, ensuring data integrity throughout the development lifecycle.

• Performance Accountability: Drive achievement of assigned product KPIs, including on-time buy readiness, target FOB costs, margins, sustainability objectives, sample delivery, and development milestone completion.

• Process Improvement: Develop and implement technical frameworks, standardized workflows, and innovative solutions that strengthen pattern engineering and product development efficiency.

• Technical Training and Knowledge Sharing: Develop training resources and provide technical guidance on pattern creation, grading, garment construction, and fit standards across global teams.

• Team Development: Mentor junior team members in technical development, 2D and 3D pattern engineering, fit evaluation, and technical problem-solving.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Product Marketing, Design, Product Development, Materials Development, Innovation, Sourcing, and external technical partners to resolve development challenges and deliver product objectives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Technical college, fashion school, or university degree in pattern making, grading, apparel engineering, or a related discipline. Equivalent technical education or Meisterbrief certification is acceptable.

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in apparel pattern engineering, technical development, or related apparel product development functions.

• Advanced knowledge of apparel pattern creation, grading, garment construction, manufacturing processes, and material properties affecting fit and performance.

• Demonstrated ability to evaluate apparel designs and develop technically sound, cost-efficient pattern and construction solutions.

• Advanced proficiency in Gerber or comparable computer-aided pattern engineering software.

• Strong understanding of apparel fit evaluation, size specifications, technical testing, and production requirements.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe applications, and Product Data Management systems.

• Functional project management experience with the ability to manage multiple development priorities and deadlines.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to independently resolve complex technical challenges.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to present technical information and deliver training to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, manufacturing suppliers, and global business partners.

• Ability to travel domestically or internationally as required.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Advanced proficiency in CLO 3D or comparable 3D apparel development and virtual prototyping platforms.

• Experience supporting digital product creation initiatives, virtual fit evaluation, and emerging pattern engineering technologies.

• Experience developing and implementing global pattern standards, grading frameworks, and foundational pattern libraries.

• Experience collaborating with international Tier 1 manufacturing partners, external CAD specialists, and fit development teams.

• Exposure to apparel innovation projects involving advanced garment construction, material optimization, or manufacturing efficiency.

• Experience creating technical training materials, developing standardized processes, and mentoring junior technical development professionals.

• Experience supporting global apparel product creation calendars and cross-functional development initiatives within a performance or lifestyle apparel environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is based in Los Angeles, California, and follows the adidas hybrid work model. Employees are expected to work on-site Monday through Thursday, with flexibility to work remotely on Fridays. In-office attendance may be required on Fridays for collaborative activities, business priorities, or in-person presentations.

The role operates in a collaborative, fast-paced global product creation environment that combines technical development, digital pattern engineering, product evaluation, and cross-functional decision-making. Regular interaction with internal creation teams, global business partners, and external manufacturing suppliers is expected.

Domestic and international travel may be required to support product development, supplier collaboration, technical alignment, and business initiatives. English is the primary working language.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

The Manager, Technical Development (Apparel) operates within the adidas Apparel Product Development organization, working in partnership with Technical Development leadership and global product creation teams.

The position serves as a technical resource across Product Marketing, Design, Product Development, Materials Development, Innovation, Sourcing, Fit and Wear Testing, and global pattern engineering functions. Additional collaboration includes Liaison Offices, Operations Centers, Tier 1 suppliers, and external CAD and fit partners.

The role provides technical guidance, knowledge sharing, and mentorship to junior team members while supporting alignment across global pattern engineering and apparel development teams.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $108,900 - $119,760.

Actual salary will be determined based on several factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.

Employees are eligible to earn an annual bonus based on both company and individual performance.

adidas offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible full-time employees, including:

• Comprehensive medical coverage including HSA with employer funding or FSA options, dental, vision, and prescription plans.

• Adoption, surrogate, and fertility support programs.

• Short and long term disability coverage.

• Basic life and AD and D insurance with supplemental employee paid options.

• 401(k) plan and Stock Purchase Plan with employer match or applicable adidas contributions.

• Education assistance for eligible full time employees.

• Paid parental and other eligible leave programs.

• Flexible Time Off accrued at 0.4388 hours per day for employees with less than five years of service, increasing with tenure.

• Twelve Company-Designated paid holidays, including a Floating Holiday, plus milestone Service Time Off for eligible employees.

• Employee product discounts and access to wellness and Employee Assistance programs.

All benefits are subject to applicable eligibility requirements, company policies, and governing plan documents.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

At adidas, we foster a workplace culture built on respect, collaboration, and opportunity where employees can grow, contribute, and perform at their best.

We value diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds because they strengthen our teams, drive innovation, and help us better serve athletes, consumers, and communities around the world.

adidas is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.