At adidas Group, we are looking for a Senior Manager Testing & Quality to be the face of Advanced Creation Testing and Quality for our category segments. You will lead cross-divisional and cross-functional perception, concept, and laboratory testing to ensure products are credible, compliant, and differentiated. This position acts as a critical connector between Business Unit Creation teams and our Testing and Quality functions.
What You'll Do
- Serve as expert consultant and primary interface for assigned Business Unit segments regarding cross-divisional and cross-functional product quality evaluation.
- Create awareness of relevant compliance, safety, and quality standards and ensure adherence throughout the testing lifecycle.
- Drive and implement strategic initiatives in Advanced Creation Testing across categories and horizontal functions to strengthen testing frameworks and capabilities.
- Lead material, component, and product testing execution for assigned segments while managing testing resources and test level assignments.
- Coordinate communications with key stakeholders, manage disagreements including exception management, and escalate when required to protect product integrity.
- Identify gaps in testing systems, define improvement requirements, and contribute to the evolution of testing methods, processes, and standards in collaboration with Testing and Quality functions.
- Lead Business Unit specific benchmarking projects, analyze testing data and market feedback, and organize closing the loop sessions with stakeholders.
- Support lab testing execution, test method enhancement, equipment validation and rollout, and ensure maintenance of Product, Concept, and Lab testing facilities and devices.
- Foster cross-divisional and cross-functional collaboration across operations, brand, sourcing, innovation, athlete servicing, legal, universities, coaches, and athletes to elevate quality standards.
- Explore emerging industries and scientific advancements to identify opportunities for advanced product development and translate complex science into meaningful consumer benefits.
What We're Looking For
- Four year college or university degree with focus on product engineering, sports science, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 4 years of work experience in the sporting goods industry, ideally in Testing, Quality Assurance, or Research and Development.
- Strong leadership and team building skills.
- Expert knowledge of product and manufacturing processes including product and material engineering.
- Strong analytical skills with clear understanding of business priorities.
- Ability to interpret complex sport and exercise science and translate insights to internal and external partners.
- Biomechanical knowledge relevant to product testing and performance.
- Deep understanding of product quality, integrity, and consumer perception.
- Effective communication and presentation skills.
Nice to Have
- Experience managing and developing a team.
- Experience collaborating with cross functional and global stakeholders.
- Exposure to laboratory management and testing system implementation.
Team & Environment
You will operate within the Advanced Creation Testing and Quality team and partner closely with Business Unit Creation Triad teams including Development, Marketing, and Design. Key relationships include AC T and Q execution teams and horizontal functions, POPS horizontal teams, Sourcing Quality, Innovation, Athlete Servicing, Technology teams including Product and Data Analytics and Consumer Insights, Legal, universities, coaches, and athletes.
Benefits & Compensation
- 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.
- Education assistance for eligible full time employees.
- 12 weeks of paid parental leave and generous leave policies.
- Flexible time off accrued at 0.4388 hours per day, increasing with tenure.
- Twelve paid holidays plus milestone Service Time Off.
- Employee product discounts and access to wellness programs.
- Annual compensation range of $124,000 to $148,000.
Work Mode
This role follows a hybrid work model and is based in Los Angeles, California.
We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
