Apparel Development Manager

Overview

The Apparel Development Manager is responsible for overseeing the product development lifecycle for assigned apparel styles from initial seasonal kickoff through successful commercialization. This role collaborates closely with cross-functional teams and suppliers to ensure a smooth transition from design concepts to buy-ready products that meet timeline, quality, and margin requirements.

There are two available positions under this role, each supporting distinct teams and product lines based in Portland, OR.

Team Roles

• Team 1: MLS Apparel Development Manager - Focuses on Major League Soccer apparel, overseeing the creation of authentic performance and fan apparel. Coordination with design, marketing, sourcing, and manufacturing ensures products meet quality, fit, performance, and scheduling targets. This position emphasizes garment embellishments and trim placement, requiring expertise in garment construction and product testing. Proficiency with 3D product design tools like CLO 3D is advantageous.
• Team 2: US Sports Apparel Development Manager - Supports development of American football uniforms and additional teamwear programs. Responsible for delivering high-performance apparel adhering to adidas quality and innovation standards. Candidates need solid technical garment construction knowledge and capability to work effectively across design, marketing, sourcing, pattern making, and testing functions. Experience with garment and wear-testing is a plus.

Key Responsibilities

• Effectively communicate all essential information between marketing, design, suppliers, and merchandising teams to facilitate outstanding product creation.
• Align product designs and target pricing through predictive costing; review, validate, and approve Tier 1 costing data throughout development while negotiating as necessary.
• Manage the handover process from design to Tier 1 suppliers, ensuring complete information transfer and addressing feedback to improve quality or cost without compromising product appearance.
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry related to Bill of Materials, costing, and other critical data at key calendar milestones.
• Evaluate prototypes for adherence to artwork directives, oversee fit approvals, color, accessories, and material selections, and provide feedback to Tier 1.
• Guarantee all materials, accessories, and prototypes comply with adidas quality, safety, and A01 standards; escalate quality exceptions to senior management.
• Review size sets for measurement accuracy and overall merchantability, including logo placement and fit, with final approvals by relevant merchandising teams.
• Sign off on sealing samples with complete artwork directives and supporting documents to ensure legal compliance prior to buy-ready dates.
• Research market and supply chain innovations related to garment construction, patterning, fit, embellishments, and trims; collaborate cross-functionally to integrate innovations into product development.

Collaboration Partners

• Design
• Marketing
• Product Development & Sourcing (Materials, Costing, Pattern, Testing, Quality)
• Tier 1 and Tier 2 Merchandising, Costing, and Pattern Teams
• Line/Office Coordinators Merchandising, Costing, Testing, and Quality
• Global Supply Planning

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of material construction and related testing methodologies
• Familiarity with wear and physical product testing
• Comprehension of garment production, construction, and manufacturing processes
• Ability to assess garment fit and provide constructive feedback to Tier 1 suppliers
• Experience with costing analysis and negotiation
• Strong communication and negotiation capabilities
• Awareness of brand vision and strategy with ability to communicate sourcing success criteria clearly
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Proficient in MS Office and adept in working with Product Data Management systems
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in clothing technology, manufacturing, or related field
• At least 4 years of work experience within the garment or textile industry

Additional Information and Benefits

adidas fosters diversity and encourages an inclusive work environment where individual expression is valued. Harassment or discrimination is not tolerated. This role participates in a hybrid work model based in Portland, Oregon, requiring presence in the office from Monday through Thursday, with optional remote work on Fridays unless collaboration or presentations require office attendance.

Comprehensive benefits include medical plans (HSA or FSA options), dental, vision, prescription coverage, adoption and fertility support, disability insurance, life insurance options, 401(k) plan with employer match, stock purchase plan, education assistance, paid parental leave, flexible time off accrual, holiday pay, and milestone service time off. Employees are eligible for annual bonuses based on company and personal performance.

The primary working language is English.