Join Our Dynamic Sportswear Brand and Shape the Future of Performance Footwear
Are you ready to become part of a team that is redefining footwear materials in an industry that is primed for innovation? We are looking for a passionate Materials Leader to lead our Inline Materials Team.
As our Materials Lead PAD (Lifestyle) Footwear, you will turn footwear dreams into reality by pushing the boundaries of material technology. You will set and accomplish short-to-medium-term goals while aligning your work with our long-term vision. In this pivotal role, you will execute our global materials strategy across various verticals, including Performance All Day, Special Projects, and Collaborations. You will lead groundbreaking developments and manage a team of Specialists to shape the future of footwear materials, collaborating closely with the Head of Materials and maintaining synergy with the Design, Development, and Product Management teams.
Your Mission
- Material Mastery: Source exceptional materials that inspire product creation, ensuring alignment with our timelines, sourcing policies, and sustainability goals, particularly focused on enhancing performance.
- Team Leadership and Collaboration: Guide and nurture the Footwear Material Specialists through trust and mentorship, fostering growth and excellence while building our future talent pipeline.
- Sustainability and Performance Goals: Align material-specific targets with our sustainability roadmap and identify opportunities to enhance material performance and efficiency across all product categories.
- Data Analytics and Process Optimization: Utilize data analytics to improve material selection and supply chain processes, continuously optimizing workflows to enhance efficiency and quality.
- Innovation and Research: Stay ahead of industry trends by researching developments, attending trade shows, and scouting new technologies to integrate into product innovations.
- Material Library Management: Develop and enhance our material library while maintaining strategic partnerships with key suppliers and managing both inline and special project toolboxes efficiently.
- Quality Assurance and Improvement: Ensure all materials meet stringent quality assurance standards and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
- Relationship Building: Cultivate strong relationships with material suppliers and collaborate with cross-functional teams to align material goals with overall product objectives.
Your Story
- Educational Foundations: A Bachelor’s Degree (minimum) in Footwear Textile Sciences, Textile Engineering/Technology, or a related field from a globally recognized university.
- Professional/Industry Experience: A minimum of 7 years of global experience in Performance Footwear material development, including essential involvement with Asia suppliers/factories.
- Team Leadership: A proven track record of at least 3 years in leading and mentoring teams.
- Driving Innovation: Demonstrated ability to lead innovation through performance materials, with a strategic mindset and execution capability.
- Global Perspective: Extensive international travel experience with T1s and material suppliers for sourcing and development.
- Project Management Excellence: A solid background in managing projects from concept to production.
- Design and Technology Affinity: A deep appreciation for footwear design and technology, especially within the technical performance category.
- Detail Orientation and Presentation Skills: Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to organize and present effective strategies.
- Communication and Collaboration: Superior communication skills (both verbal and written) to enhance collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
- Creativity and Discipline Balance: The ability to marry creativity with organization in a fast-paced environment.
- Adaptability and Entrepreneurial Spirit: Effective navigation of change and an entrepreneurial mindset in the face of challenges.
Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
About the Team
We are a small team with significant responsibilities. Our Footwear Materials team executes the sustainability strategy for the entire company through our footwear materials, shaping the organization's future. We conduct research, create strategies, implement projects, and innovate products and processes with a focus on sustainable materials and footwear. One of our primary objectives is to translate strategic material sustainability priorities into reality, collaborating effectively with other departments. As the Senior Lead, you will play a crucial role in leading the team and fostering collaboration across our global footwear creation team.