Lead, Materials Developer - Footwear Innovation

Under Armour•Baltimore, MD

1d•$110,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Footwear Material Developer, Lead – is a highly dynamic material developer position which demands intimate collaboration internally with Footwear Innovation, Material Development, Product Development, Product, Design, & the Testing Council (field testing, lab testing, biomechanics) as well as externally with UA’s strategic Tier 1, 2, & 3 suppliers. Fundamentally, the function of this role is to support the Director of Footwear Materials - in delivering advanced upper technology platforms and material sustainability solutions from concept to palette-ready status for adoption across the category product engines. As a member of the footwear material team, your responsibilities will include driving technology transfers to inline for commercialization. This role is responsible for supporting and aligning projects with the UA operational infrastructure and world class footwear material supply chain. The Lead will focus on Footwear but will also have opportunities to touch all parts of the brand and have access to latest technologies and innovations. This is an opportunity to be part of a great success story as Under Armour builds and grows their Footwear legacy.

Requirements

Proficient in textile, synthetic leather and leather classifications and the corresponding testing as well as knowledge of post processes such as no sew, printing and molding
General knowledge in footwear construction and design process
Well-informed of sustainability material innovations
Familiar with more complex concepts and possesses advanced skills and functional understanding of the subject matter and technical requirements of the relevant functional area
Understanding of scientific method and the ability to objectively analyze raw data and present technical information to diverse audiences
Strong communication skills both verbal and written, with the ability to successfully communicate with vendors from around the world and difference cultural backgrounds.
Strong project management, process and organization skills. The ability to effectively manage many different tasks and overlapping deadlines. Ability to adapt quickly and pick up new systems and processes.
An understanding of how to secure the best possible outcomes for UA Footwear, which include things like costing, managing intra-vendor or vendor-to-factory relationships
Basic math skills related to consumer goods as well as calculating interest, percentages, area, circumference, volume, etc.
The ability to define problem, collect data, and draw rational conclusions as well as recommend cost saving solutions
A great team player who embraces the Company values in their everyday interactions
Program Experience: Microsoft Suite, Adobe, Illustrator, and Keynote
Ability to travel internationally
Ten or more years of material development or material design, material sourcing or similar fields with an emphasis on material testing, and footwear product creation
Degree in Mechanical or Textile Engineering preferred
Leadership/Managing/Mentoring

Responsibilities

Research and partner with global ingredient suppliers to explore and ideate beyond the footwear industry in search of new knowledge and ideas that push and challenge the future of Footwear Innovation and circularity
Initiating new vendor partnerships or material technology developments based on white space opportunities identified by Consumer Insights and articulated in Innovations 5-year plan (5YP)
Developing new material and component test methodologies/specifications to quantify upper technology performance against the diverse product needs of the focused performer
When necessary, developing novel QC test methodology to ensure the successful transition of novel upper technologies in partnership with the Proving Grounds Lab and Sourcing team
Coordinating and evaluating feasibility production trials in partnership with the supplier and in-country Innovation teams
Tracking against all Proven & Tested requirements and collaborating with inline product teams to ensure all critical information is communicated during transition (such as unique test requirements, costing, minimum order quantities, lead times, process constraints)
Documenting via data entry all material information and test data in the Centric PLM material library system
Supporting the evolution of existing Innovation platforms to ensure their successful longevity in the lifecycle plans
Partnering with the Business Process team to ensure projects are properly accounted for and advanced through the Innovation Pipeline
Cultivating direct communication with pinnacle UA athletes as a means of garnering unfiltered product feedback and rich athlete need insights
Traveling to our partners global manufacturing locations to facilitate project completion and foster deeper partnership
Traveling to global industry events/conferences to keep a pulse on the latest industry trends and gain exposure to new materials for manufacturing processes
Manage data on the current status of footwear innovation developments and help to coordinate projects
Prioritize work based on calendars; innovation platforms and operating model
Sets stretch personal goals and achieves them
Meet with product teams and communicate project status
Compile information and create detail-oriented presentations
Build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners
Mentor more junior Footwear Material Developer teammates