Technical Manager Apparel Prototyping

Purpose and overall relevance for the organization

• As a member of the adidas Creative Studios team, you will partner directly with designers, innovation teams, and product developers to transform creative concepts into physical apparel prototypes through expert pattern making, sewing, and garment construction. This is a highly hands-on role for someone who can take an idea from concept to pattern to finished garment, using deep technical knowledge of woven and knit construction, fit, grading, materials, and industrial sewing techniques.
• You will create and modify patterns for a wide variety of products, including unique one-off pieces for athletes and special projects, while helping teams solve complex fit and construction challenges. You’ll combine traditional craftsmanship with digital tools, using CAD pattern-making systems such as Gerber or Optitex and apparel 3D tools such as CLO3D or Browzwear to bring ideas to life quickly and accurately.
• This is not a traditional apparel design or production role. We are looking for a true pattern-making and sewing expert who loves the craft of building garments, understands how patterns translate into finished product, and can independently construct high-quality prototypes from start to finish.
• Manages the creation process for innovative and complex apparel and accessories pieces in collaboration with all the NAM Creation Studios related departments.
• Creates proper samples (prototypes) with attention to production feasibility and understands the entire product creation process and its systems. 
• Conceives and drives smaller projects and workshops with members of x-functional BU teams and/or external partners. 

Key Responsibilities

• Transforms ideas or concepts into virtual prototypes, from sample construction and assembly, to model and mold making, to model patterns, for later production and guarantees for its proper documentation 

• Drives the development of innovative product studies in cooperation with x-functional partners based on market requirements 

• Works on an on-going basis on new solutions to reach creative product goals, by using new methods and systems and/or new constructions 

• Creates samples and mockups to support the design and development process. 

• Operates the latest innovative equipment and machines to create innovative products 

• Works with supervisor and business counterparts in evaluating new engineering technologies for their applicability and value to the business, i.e. workmanship workshops 

• Maintain all chemical materials and supplies needed for creation of apparel and accessories samples and mockups. 

• Organize tool boxes, fill up and prepare material libraries and coordinate capacity/space management under the guidance of Senior Manager 

• Perform minor maintenance and repair on shop machinery and equipment 

• Consults and supports creative people/development teams with workmanship solutions regarding industrial production feasibility 

• Drives creative workshops and leads basic trainings for the creation center teams and/or external partners. 

• Establishes working relationships with internal and external interfaces to support an creative and innovative product creation process 

• Mentors new hires in prototype creation 

Key Relationships

• Creation Center - Design, Marketing, Brand Operations 

• Innovation teams: Futures, ASL 

• Global Sourcing 

• Quality 

• External CAD and Sample Shop partners 

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge in product creation, with the ability to provide effective and cost efficient solutions and an understanding of apparel/ accessories construction, material construction and properties related to fit and usage 

• Ability to interpret and evaluate designs on model level in regards to pattern execution/engineering

• Advanced knowledge of materials and trims for the apparel sports good industry 

• Consulting and training skills 

• Advanced knowledge of product production, and engineering techniques 

• Strong team player and communicator with the ability to manage multiple projects under multiple deadlines 

• Ability to work with diverse groups, motivate or mentor others and a proven skill at problem solving and innovation 

• Effective written and verbal communication skills 

• Advanced skills in CAD programs like Gerber or Optitex 

• Advanced knowledge in Apparel 3D programs CLO3D or Browzwear 

• Fluent in English (written and spoken)

• Advanced IT skills (Illustrator, MS Office) 

• At adidas, employees on the Creative Studios team are expected to work in the office Monday through Friday, five days per week 

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications

• Technical college/design school training in product / engineering, or equivalent education 

• Bachelor/Apprenticeship as a product designer/ product, machine or industrial engineer

• Minimum of 5 years pattern making experience in product creation industry in a comparable role

• 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.
• adidas offers robust and progressive medical, including HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer funding or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) options, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, adoption, with surrogate and fertility support, short and long-term disability, and basic life and AD&D insurance, which can be supplemented with employee-paid coverage. Employees are able to enroll in adidas’ 401k plan and Stock Purchase Plan with employer match. Full-time employees are eligible for education assistance and generous Leave policies including 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Employees are eligible to earn an annual bonus based on both company and personal performance. Employees accrue prorated flexible time off in the amount .4388 hours per day that increases with years of service, twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year and Service Time Off during milestone years.
• This position requires a high degree of in-person collaboration, in-office attendance is required Monday through Friday. The working location of this position is Portland, Oregon.
• Though our teammates hail from all corners of the world, our working language is English.