Technical Project Manager - Footwear Materials Innovation (27 month ltd)

adidas • Portland, OR

408d

About The Position

The Technical Project Manager for Footwear Materials Innovation at Adidas will oversee a publicly funded research project aimed at developing sustainable materials for performance products. This role combines project management and technical leadership, serving as the primary liaison between research partners and Adidas stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of the project.

Requirements

• University degree in a relevant engineering field, such as elastomers or green chemistry.
• 3 years of working experience, preferably with elastomers or footwear.
• Knowledgeable in the development and testing of EVA foams.
• Experience in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, and footwear circularity is advantageous.
• Self-motivated with an entrepreneurial mindset and curiosity for linking business needs with sustainability challenges.
• Strong analytical skills, solution-driven, and results-oriented.
• Ability to communicate and negotiate effectively.
• Experience working in research environments and/or publicly funded projects is advantageous.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge in materials testing and footwear development.
• Curiosity for science and engineering with a passion for sport-related insights.
• Ability to collaborate well and maintain relationships with companies, universities, and government representatives.

Responsibilities

• Overall responsibility for the project ensuring strategic fit with brand needs and maximizing impact for Adidas.
• Guide and manage technical workstreams and prototype development.
• Manage product testing against Adidas standards and industry benchmarks.
• Use materials science expertise to align research and development efforts with product requirements.
• Manage internal partners focused on material testing and product development, leveraging external stakeholders effectively.
• Support project partners in gathering data for consumer studies, lifecycle assessments, and technoeconomic analysis.
• Prepare and maintain results-based reports and documentation, communicating status and updates to stakeholders and leadership.
• Educate and train colleagues by sharing knowledge and disseminating project results.
• Create and maintain project plans and budgets to ensure effective task implementation and compliance with public funding obligations.
• Consider legal implications of innovative concepts, working with the legal team to protect product and technology.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $94.2K - $119K per year.
• Opportunity to work on innovative projects in a leading global brand.
• Access to a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Leather and Allied Product Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree