Lead, Materials Developer - Footwear Innovation

Values & Innovation

At Under Armour, we are committed to empowering those who strive for more, and the company's values - Act Sustainably, Celebrate the Wins, Fight on Together, Love Athletes and Stand for Equality - serve as both a roadmap for our teams and the qualities expected of every teammate.

Our Values define and unite us, the beliefs that are the red thread that connects everyone at Under Armour. Our values are rallying cries, reminding us why we're here, and fueling everything we do.

Our pursuit of better begins with innovation and with our team's mission of being the best. With us, you get the freedom to go further - no matter your role. That means developing, delivering, and selling the state-of-the-art products and digital tools that make top performers even better.

If you are a current Under Armour teammate, apply to this position on the Internal Career Site Here.

This role is elgibile for our Footwear Talent Sprint referral program.

Purpose of Role

The Footwear Material Developer, Lead – is a highly dynamic material developer position which demands intimate collaboration internally with Footwear Innovation, Material Development, Product Development, Product, Design, & the Testing Council (field testing, lab testing, biomechanics) as well as externally with UA’s strategic Tier 1, 2, & 3 suppliers. Fundamentally, the function of this role is to support the Director of Footwear Materials - in delivering advanced upper technology platforms and material sustainability solutions from concept to palette-ready status for adoption across the category product engines. As a member of the footwear material team, your responsibilities will include driving technology transfers to inline for commercialization. This role is responsible for supporting and aligning projects with the UA operational infrastructure and world class footwear material supply chain. The Lead will focus on Footwear but will also have opportunities to touch all parts of the brand and have access to latest technologies and innovations. This is an opportunity to be part of a great success story as Under Armour builds and grows their Footwear legacy.

Your Impact

• Research and partner with global ingredient suppliers to explore and ideate beyond the footwear industry in search of new knowledge and ideas that push and challenge the future of Footwear Innovation and circularity
• Initiating new vendor partnerships or material technology developments based on white space opportunities identified by Consumer Insights and articulated in Innovations 5-year plan (5YP)
• Developing new material and component test methodologies/specifications to quantify upper technology performance against the diverse product needs of the focused performer
• When necessary, developing novel QC test methodology to ensure the successful transition of novel upper technologies in partnership with the Proving Grounds Lab and Sourcing team
• Coordinating and evaluating feasibility production trials in partnership with the supplier and in-country Innovation teams
• Tracking against all Proven & Tested requirements and collaborating with inline product teams to ensure all critical information is communicated during transition (such as unique test requirements, costing, minimum order quantities, lead times, process constraints)
• Documenting via data entry all material information and test data in the Centric PLM material library system
• Supporting the evolution of existing Innovation platforms to ensure their successful longevity in the lifecycle plans
• Partnering with the Business Process team to ensure projects are properly accounted for and advanced through the Innovation Pipeline
• Cultivating direct communication with pinnacle UA athletes as a means of garnering unfiltered product feedback and rich athlete need insights
• Traveling to our partners global manufacturing locations to facilitate project completion and foster deeper partnership
• Traveling to global industry events/conferences to keep a pulse on the latest industry trends and gain exposure to new materials for manufacturing processes
• Manage data on the current status of footwear innovation developments and help to coordinate projects
• Prioritize work based on calendars; innovation platforms and operating model
• Sets stretch personal goals and achieves them
• Meet with product teams and communicate project status
• Compile information and create detail-oriented presentations
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners
• Mentor more junior Footwear Material Developer teammates

Qualifications

• Proficient in textile, synthetic leather and leather classifications and the corresponding testing as well as knowledge of post processes such as no sew, printing and molding
• General knowledge in footwear construction and design process
• Well-informed of sustainability material innovations
• Familiar with more complex concepts and possesses advanced skills and functional understanding of the subject matter and technical requirements of the relevant functional area
• Understanding of scientific method and the ability to objectively analyze raw data and present technical information to diverse audiences
• Strong communication skills both verbal and written, with the ability to successfully communicate with vendors from around the world and difference cultural backgrounds.
• Strong project management, process and organization skills. The ability to effectively manage many different tasks and overlapping deadlines. Ability to adapt quickly and pick up new systems and processes.
• An understanding of how to secure the best possible outcomes for UA Footwear, which include things like costing, managing intra-vendor or vendor-to-factory relationships
• Basic math skills related to consumer goods as well as calculating interest, percentages, area, circumference, volume, etc.
• The ability to define problem, collect data, and draw rational conclusions as well as recommend cost saving solutions
• A great team player who embraces the Company values in their everyday interactions
• Program Experience: Microsoft Suite, Adobe, Illustrator, and Keynote
• Ability to travel internationally
• Ten or more years of material development or material design, material sourcing or similar fields with an emphasis on material testing, and footwear product creation
• Degree in Mechanical or Textile Engineering preferred
• Leadership/Managing/Mentoring

Workplace Location

• Location: This individual must reside within commuting distance from our Baltimore HQ office.
• Work Schedule: This role follows a hybrid work schedule, requiring 4 days in-office per week. 
• Travel: 5-10% of the year
• Licenses/Certifications: N/A
• Sponsorship Eligibility: UA does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based work authorization for this position at this time.

#LI-SA-1 #hybrid

Relocation

• No relocation provided

Base Compensation

$110,000.00-$150,000.00 USD

Most new hires fall within this range and have the opportunity to earn more over time. Initial placement within the salary range, however, is based on an individual's relevant knowledge, skills and experience for the position. UA is committed to helping our teammates succeed and advance in their careers. Base salary is only one component of our competitive Total Rewards package.

Benefits & Perks

• Paid "UA Give Back" Volunteer Days: Work alongside your team to support initiatives in your local community
• Under Armour Merchandise Discounts
• Competitive 401(k) plan matching
• Maternity and Parental Leave for eligible and FMLA-eligible teammates
• Health & fitness benefits, discounts and resources- We offer teammates across the country programs to promote physical activity and overall well-being

Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity

At Under Armour, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, family or paternal status and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Under Armour seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people representing a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact our Human Resources team via View email address on careers.underarmour.com.