At adidas, every day is a chance to flip the script. An invitation to take everything we know and re-invent it. Do it better. Never settling for good enough. Every day we get up, invent, adapt, improvise, find new ways to collaborate, and do the unexpected. We’re creators, makers and doers. Helping athletes make a difference, not just in their games, but in their lives and in their world. It’s an obsession.
We’ve been doing this for more than 65 years. With an unmatched history and tradition of creating iconic products, consumer connections and experiences, we’ve been defining sport culture since the beginning. And we’re never done. Come be a part of shaping the future together with us.
Purpose:
- Develop new and innovative footwear machinery and automation solutions that bring cutting edge advantage in footwear manufacturing for the adidas Group.
- Collaborate effectively with machinery vendors, technology vendors, Tier 1 and adidas Group Operations teams to successfully implement these technologies into mass production.
Key Responsibilities:
- Evaluate current technical manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for gains in manufacturing efficiency with process automation with focus on:
- Material, parts and component handling
- Upper parts and upper component production
- Upper parts and component assembly
- Bottom part production, bottom part treatments and part assembly
- Research and design mechanical systems and applications. Analyse proposals to evaluate the feasibility, cost and sustainability impact of each design proposal.
- Develop new machinery and automation concept with key strategic technology vendors and ensure a successful mass production implementation.
- Oversee installation and operation of new systems to ensure that machines and equipment are installed and functioning according to specifications.
- Manage all projects in proper project management method. Update regularly Director Technology, project sponsors and all key stakeholders.
- Liaise with all key project stakeholders to fully understand needs and constraints. Evaluate and address all risks that could impact project success
- Estimate costs early in the design phase and assist completing ROI (return of investment) analysis with complete explanations of benefits and costs.
- Develop SOP, best practice manual, product design & engineering guidelines and other relevant documents to support smooth technology implementation and understanding to adopt production construction for full utilization
- Research new manufacturing processes and technologies and the future business models with internal/ external partners to gain full understanding of upcoming needs.
- Exchange and collaborate with aIT (adidas Innovation Team) and RAC (Reebok Advanced Concept) teams on new technologies and process requirements.
- Stay up to date of technical and industrial relevant developments. Summarize and present advancements in technologies to related adidas Group Management.
Relationships:
- Footwear Sourcing LO teams and Functional teams
- Machinery, Chemical & Technology vendors
- Tier 1 and Tier 2 business partners
- HQ Brand Operations
- Brand Innovation Teams
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
- Excellent technical knowledge in mechanical engineering and automation
- Good problem-solving skills and a creative approach for new ideas
- Strong project management knowledge and experience
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- A high level of computer literacy, particularly computer-aided design
- Ability to network with multiple customers
- Fluent in written/ spoken English
- Strong communication skills
- Footwear technical knowledge and experience of advantage.
Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:
- University degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering subject.
- Minimum 5 years working experience in machinery automation industry.
- Experience in leading and managing cross functional projects.
