Adidas Group

Technical Manager Apparel Prototyping

Adidas Group • $95K — $115K *
Portland, OR 97229In-Person
Retail & Consumer Goods
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Technical college/design school training in product/engineering or equivalent education
  • Bachelor's/Apprenticeship as a product designer, machine, or industrial engineer
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in the product creation industry
  • Advanced knowledge of materials and trims in the apparel sports goods sector
  • Fluent in English, both written and spoken
  • Proficient in CAD programs like Gerber or Optitex and 3D software CLO3D or Browzwear

Responsibilities

  • Manage the creation process for innovative apparel and accessories in collaboration with various departments
  • Transform concepts into virtual prototypes and ensure proper documentation
  • Collaborate with cross-functional partners to drive product development based on market needs
  • Explore new solutions and methods to achieve creative product goals
  • Create samples and mockups to enhance the design and development process
  • Operate advanced equipment to produce innovative products
  • Evaluate and implement new engineering technologies for the business
  • Guide and mentor new hires in prototype creation

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment in a creative atmosphere
  • Opportunity to lead workshops and train teams
  • Engagement with innovation teams and external partners
  • Hands-on experience with the latest technology and equipment
  • Mentorship and support for professional development opportunities
Full Job Description
Purpose and overall relevance for the organization

  • Manages the creation process for innovative and complex apparel and accessories pieces in collaboration with all the NAM Creation Studios related departments.

  • Creates proper samples (prototypes) with attention to production feasibility and understands the entire product creation process and its systems.

  • Conceives and drives smaller projects and workshops with members of x-functional BU teams and/or external partners.


Key Responsibilities

  • Transforms ideas or concepts into virtual prototypes, from sample construction and assembly, to model and mold making, to model patterns, for later production and guarantees for its proper documentation

  • Drives the development of innovative product studies in cooperation with x-functional partners based on market requirements

  • Works on an on-going basis on new solutions to reach creative product goals, by using new methods and systems and/or new constructions

  • Creates samples and mockups to support the design and development process.

  • Operates the latest innovative equipment and machines to create innovative products

  • Works with supervisor and business counterparts in evaluating new engineering technologies for their applicability and value to the business, i.e. workmanship workshops

  • Maintain all chemical materials and supplies needed for creation of apparel and accessories samples and mockups.

  • Organize tool boxes, fill up and prepare material libraries and coordinate capacity/space management under the guidance of Senior Manager

  • Perform minor maintenance and repair on shop machinery and equipment

  • Consults and supports creative people/development teams with workmanship solutions regarding industrial production feasibility

  • Drives creative workshops and leads basic trainings for the creation center teams and/or external partners.

  • Establishes working relationships with internal and external interfaces to support an creative and innovative product creation process

  • Mentors new hires in prototype creation


Key Relationships

  • Creation Center - Design, Marketing, Brand Operations

  • Innovation teams: Futures, ASL


  • Global Sourcing

  • Quality

  • External CAD and Sample Shop partners


Knowledge Skills and Abilities

  • Advanced knowledge in product creation, with the ability to provide effective and cost efficient solutions and an understanding of apparel/ accessories construction, material construction and properties related to fit and usage

  • Ability to interpret and evaluate designs on model level in regards to pattern execution/engineering

  • Advanced knowledge of materials and trims for the apparel sports good industry

  • Consulting and training skills

  • Advanced knowledge of product production, and engineering techniques

  • Strong team player and communicator with the ability to manage multiple projects under multiple deadlines

  • Ability to work with diverse groups, motivate or mentor others and a proven skill at problem solving and innovation

  • Effective written and verbal communication skills

  • Advanced skills in CAD programs like Gerber or Optitex

  • Advanced knowledge in Apparel 3D programs CLO3D or Browzwear

  • Fluent in English (written and spoken)

  • Advanced IT skills (Illustrator, MS Office)

  • At adidas, employees on the Creative Studios team are expected to work in the office Monday through Friday, five days per week


Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications

  • Technical college/design school training in product / engineering, or equivalent education

  • Bachelor/Apprenticeship as a product designer/ product, machine or industrial engineer

  • Minimum of 5 years related work experience in product creation industry in comparable role


Job Title: Technical Manager Apparel Prototyping

Brand:

Location: Portland

TEAM: Product Development & Operations

State: OR

Country/Region: US

Contract Type: Full time

Number: 547173

Date: Jul 29, 2026

About Adidas Group

Adidas AG is a German multinational corporation that designs and manufactures sports shoes, clothing, and accessories. The company is the largest sportswear manufacturer in Europe and the second-largest in the world, after Nike. Adidas was founded in 1949 by Adolf Dassler, and the company's name is a combination of his nickname, Adi, and the first three letters of his last name. Adidas has a strong brand presence in the global market and sponsors many high-profile athletes and sports teams. The company is committed to sustainability and has set ambitious targets to reduce its environmental impact.
Learn more about Adidas Group
Size
61,401 employees
Industry
Retail & Consumer Goods
Founded
1949
NASDAQ
ADDYY
* Ladders Estimates

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