Support Senior Manager Testing in driving the implementation of Global Footwear Quality vision, strategy and systems in the respective Operations Area.
Lead and manage testing departments within the assigned supplier base, which are at the time being laboratories and product testing (OCPT) to ensure that products going into the market are meeting or exceeding customer expectations in terms of Fit, Comfort and Performance / Durability.
Ensure that adidas testing systems are implemented, evaluated, and maintained at highest standard
Key Responsibilities:
Support Senior Manager Testing to guide LO/T1 factories in implementation of testing strategy
manage implementation of testing related initiatives and programs within the assigned supplier base,
Manage and coordinate Laboratory (material, component, FGT) and Fit & Wear Testing (OCPT) to enable excellence in execution for category specific perception and laboratory testing, providing reliable test results based on the given adidas procedures
Lead the implementation, execution and monitoring of all A-01 related items.
Proactive follow up/monitoring on safety & compliance topics and any country specific standards (e.g. CMA) in the interest of the adidas to ensure proper and timely evaluation and implementation.
Ensure adidas product testing and related compliance standards are consistently achieved
Ensure that judgement calls of the T1 factories are done based on the given adidas procedures within the given timeframe and in conjunction with the calendar timelines and make judgement calls of testing result in case of ambiguous situations.
Subject matter expert and quality key contact for Product Creation teams of assigned supplier base responsible for exceptional management review of limited release or factory disclaimer inquiries
Manage and conduct periodic testing related audits and compliance checks to identify weak areas and give clear directions in acting as a trainer and advisor to the T1 Testing Teams
Compile and analyse test information to determine quality of materials and components and recommend actions for improvement.
Conduct trainings to ensure a common understanding of existing and new policies, procedures, standards, requirements and audit structures in all T1 Laboratories
Act as contact person for 3rd Party Labs and T2s on lab related topics (e.g. Lab audits, TLSP audits, etc.)
Support specific projects related to testing,
Support AC-T for testing method/requirement innovation, as well as setting up or update of testing manual, guidelines and procedures.
Establish and maintain frequent communication with other LOs and AC-T to ensure processes and procedures are standardized, reproducible and repeatable.
Create a reliable and strategic working relationship with the Factory Management and build up a pro-active and strong lab and OCPT team.
Key Relationships:
Footwear Sourcing (Quality, Product Creation, Manufacturing, Material Sourcing, Future/Advanced Concepts)
AC-T
Product Operations
T1 supply partners
T2 material and component suppliers
3rd party laboratories
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
Able to lead a team as well as working as a team member
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Demonstrating initiative and acting result oriented
Good understanding of laboratory testing and end to end process in shoe-making
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Process thinking, end-to-end mindset
Fluent in English (written and spoken)
Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree with focus on Footwear and/or Material Science or equivalent education and experience
At least 5 years or relevant business experience in capacities of testing, product creation/engineering or production.