Assistant Manager Concept Testing - Football Footwear & Matchball - Temp until July 31, 2027 in Herzogenaurach

About the Role

The role is a key contributor in the product testing process for football footwear and matchball, executing and evaluating performance product tests with devices and performance measurements with athletes in the lab and in the field. It translates results into recommendations for new product developments and validation. The role also assists in internal and external research to ensure best-in-class testing procedures and applied biomechanical and physiology knowledge. It sits within Testing & Quality and collaborates with Concept Excellence colleagues, BU partners and cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute physical and human performance tests and studies using appropriate equipment in a sport science lab and in the field, within given timelines and according to latest testing standards.
• Evaluate, track and analyse test results; write scientific reports, summaries and presentations, and communicate results through comprehensive presentations or other means to BU partners to ensure successful integration of new products in targeted seasons.
• Translate test results into recommendations for product and concept development, and ensure on-time data management and storage in the respective testing systems in an accurate format.
• Support continuous improvement of the testing process through the development of new test methods or equipment to assess new technologies.
• Collaborate with Concept Excellence colleagues to leverage knowledge from other projects and category-specific work, explore and define specific research projects, and build expert knowledge of biomechanics and/or physiology within key business units to support performance-driven products.
• Support the evaluation of Innovation projects, ensure transfer of all relevant concept performance information and learnings to BU partners prior to and during transition, consult cross-functional teams on performance-related issues, communicate product opportunities and business risks
• And resolve or escalating project issues/risks based on expertise.
• Assist in the development of a strategic research and testing plan aligned with department plans and ambitions, and support continuous research and exploration using broad and deep sport science knowledge to enable testing enhancements linked to business needs.
• Leverage existing network and create strong new partnerships, forging new ways of working with key internal and external partners, and assist in initiation of new research and consulting projects with world-class universities
• Start-ups and consulting groups to deliver best-in-class testing and products.
• Act as Testing Ambassador by proactively meeting with key stakeholders to understand long-term performance needs, elevate testing with valued presence and expertise, and strengthen collaboration and support beyond creation calendars.
• Participate in and contribute to consumer-centric testing projects and open-source meetings to identify athlete needs related to best product performance, and strategise on ways to improve the performance testing process.
• Support training and education of key stakeholders on biomechanics, physiology and performance testing, and their importance for performance products, and mentor team members and cross-functional partners to develop specific performance and research understanding.
• Collaborate with internal teams such as Global Testing & Quality, BU Product Creation Teams, Athlete Product Excellence, Athlete Performance, Innovation, Sports Marketing and Legal, and external partners including testers, testing facilities, coaches, athletes, academic partners
• Consultants and testing equipment vendors.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• University or college degree in biomechanics, physiology, (bio)mechanical engineering, or equivalent.
• First relevant working experience required.
• Ability to think on a strategic and operational level at the same time.
• Strong biomechanical and/or physiology knowledge and how that relates to product performance and development.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Curiosity for science and technology with a passion for creating insights.
• Strong networking abilities.
• Ability to understand scientific and complex information and provide comprehensive insights for different audiences.
• Good communication, organisational and presentation skills.
• Computer literacy (MS Office) with the ability to analyse and understand large datasets.
• Ability to work independently and within a team atmosphere.

Preferred Skills

• Programming skills preferred.

About the Company

Adidas is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace, and welcomes applications from people of all ages, genders (including gender identity), ethnic and social backgrounds, nationalities, sexual orientations, religions and beliefs, and those with apparent or non-apparent disabilities. adidas does not tolerate harassment or discrimination toward applicants or employees, and actively encourages individuals with disabilities to apply, providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

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