Manager Product Testing - Footwear

Manager Product Testing

We'll never launch a product unless we consider it perfect. Our product operations teams create every shirt, every shoe and every piece of equipment for thousands of athletes and fashion lovers as if it was one of a kind. And it truly is, as they weave their passion into every single product. But translating designs, drawings and renderings into real products requires a lot of decision making.

As Manager Product Testing you are a key contributor in the product testing process by gathering and evaluating perception feedback from consumers (fit, comfort, quality, performance) and translating it into recommendations for product development. You will work cross-divisionally for assigned business units and in close alignment with the Senior Manager Product Testing.

Key Responsibilities :

• Manage workstreams and initiatives in alignment with global objectives
• Challenge status quo and strive to evolve perception testing on a continuous base

Product Testing :

Represent Testing in seasonal briefings with Marketing and Development

Allocate appropriate level of perception tests (e.g. fit, wear, performance tests, high-speed-filming, benchmark testing) based on intended use and consumer profile with counterparts from Development in collaboration with Concept Testing and Lab Testing

Manage own workload and prioritize tasks in line with workload tool

Resolve issues during testing process and come up with solutions; in the second step escalate to Senior Manager Testing & Quality

Assign appropriate questionnaire modules in partnership with external IT provider

Plan and execute perception tests according to adidas' Testing standards within timelines

Analyze perception test results based on consumer feedback and product condition and assess risk level of claims and defective returns

Write test reports with recommendations to Development and document those in the respective systems

Determine if product can move forward in creation process based on executed perception tests

Share and discuss test results with Development, Marketing and Design in Performance Line Review Meetings

Review, discuss and decide on execution of outline test requests

Provide input for test standards and procedures to Standards and Compliance experts

Create seasonal summary reports and overviews upon request

Operation Center Product Testing : act as key contact, input training materials, provide audit content, provide guidance for improvement based on audit results

Tester Pool :

Pro-actively recruit new product testers through events and networking

Review online applications for product testers and select suitable profiles

Set up and maintain product tester database in central system

Collect signatures from product testers for all relevant processes (e.g. wear test agreement)

Ensure data protection rules are followed during all steps of testing

Sample Management :

(System-)order, unpack, prepare and ship product samples for testing purposes

Organize short- and long-term storage of product samples according to policy and legal requirements

Device Management :

Maintain Testing facilities and devices

Key Relationships :

Development

Marketing

Design

Advanced Creation Testing & Quality

Sourcing Quality

Target consumers, coaches, equipment managers and universities

3rd party testing facilities and consultants

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Passion for sports in general and in-depth knowledge of the responsible sport categories

Knowledge of product creation and development (e.g. materials, components, modifications, technologies, assembly)

Ability to work individually, with a high degree of flexibility and a collaborative mindset

Ability to openly communicate and collaborate with cross-functional teams at all levels of the organization

Strong communication, presentation and influencing skills

Advanced user level of Microsoft Office 365 (e.g. Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access)

Data analysis skills of advantage

Language : fluent in English (written and spoken), for Germany : German required

Ability to travel domestically and globally

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications :

College or university degree in Sports Science or related field

Minimum 2 years of relevant working experience

Experience in footwear, apparel or accessories & gear business preferred