Associate Manager, Footwear Material Development

Overview

Reebok is a pioneer in the sporting goods industry with a rich and storied fitness heritage dating back to 1895. Reebok was founded on athletic footwear that changed the direction of sport. Since then, the art of outpacing expectation has brewed in the brand’s DNA. This is what fuels Reebok to break up boundaries and incite movement. And to make products that help others explore exactly what movement means to them. Reebok strives to deliver each and every athlete, from professionals to enthusiasts, with the opportunity, products and inspiration to reach their full potential. Reebok Classics leverage the brand’s fitness heritage and represent the roots of the brand in the sports lifestyle market. Reebok is an American-inspired global brand with headquarters in Boston, MA.

 

Purpose:

As a P1 Footwear Material Developer at Reebok, you will assist/support Material Manager on the execution of the seasonal materials creation and creating the materials in PLM and manage the material library through all phases of materials development. You will have the opportunity to partner with Product Developers, Designers, Product Line Managers, and material vendors to achieve a common goal, to bring new materials to the team and work closely with vendors to achieve footwear product goals.

Job Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Learn and support material creation in PLM with any related documents uploading
• Develop and maintain an organized materials library, complete with up-to-date materials, testing history, and specifications
• Support to create seasonal consolidation material palettes and tools for use in products
• Support to organize/manage T2 supplier meetings or in-house material shows
• Support Material Manager to develop materials specifications for product functionality, durability, and aesthetics, including identifying needs and researching solutions. Assist with advanced materials R&D projects (when needed)
• Learn and organize the periodical basic material knowledge sharing with cross-functional team with Material Manager
• Contribute ideas for cross-functional teams to drive goals, uncover opportunities and move materials forward within the footwear creation process
• Contribute ideas for product design, construction, materials, and components to enhance functionality, aesthetics, fit, and profit margins
• Support to evaluate new product /materials applications to improve cost, reduce environmental impact or improve quality of products
• Stays abreast of new technology and competitive products by attending material shows and providing recommendations from the materials perspective
• Support to collaborate with materials design to research and source materials and trims to meet all business objectives and ensure delivery of seasonal market palette
• Other responsibilities as required

Qualifications

• BS in Materials Engineering or related field; this is preferred, but not mandatory
• 1 years of experience in footwear development/design, material development would be preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, demonstrating effective listening through concise, clear verbal and written communication
• Excellent interpersonal skills that encourage and build trust resulting in effective working relationships across the company
• Keen attention to detail in planning, organization, and execution of tasks while observing the big picture and understanding how everything fits. Willingness to dive into the details
• High level of independent work ethic and ability with the instinct to know when to reach out for support
• Curious and open-minded; always open to a challenge, inventive, creative. With the ability to challenge the status quo – always looking at improving our products and processes while also displaying a willingness to dive into the details
• Ability to work professionally and effectively within the team and across departments while balancing multiple tasks within cross-seasonal deadlines
• Work independently and with Manager to achieve materials strategy goals
• Computer proficiency with office software, MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator, Smartsheet and PLM

Requirements & EEO Statement

SPARC Group LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We value a culture of inclusion and diversity within our workforce, and are committed to maintaining a workplace free from prohibited employment conduct, including discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, domestic partner status, civil partnership, status as a covered veteran, status in the Uniformed Services of the United States, citizenship and any other characteristic protected by law (“Protected Characteristics”). #entry