Assistant Manager Concept Testing - Running FTW- (m/f/d) (temp. until July 2026) (Herzogenaurach, BY, DE) chez None

Adidas is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people of all ages, genders (incl. gender identity), ethnic and social backgrounds, nationalities, sexual orientations, religions and beliefs, and those with apparent or non-apparent disabilities*. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees.

*We actively encourage individuals with disabilities to apply and will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organisation:

We’ll never launch a product unless we consider it perfect. Our Product Creation teams develop every shirt, every shoe and every piece of equipment for thousands of athletes and fashion lovers as if it was one of a kind. And it truly is, as they weave their passion into every single product. But translating designs, drawings and renderings into real products requires a lot of decision making.

As Assistant Manager Concept Testing you are a key contributor in the product testing process by executing and evaluating performance product tests with devices as well as performance measurements with athletes in the lab and in the field. You will translate the results into recommendations for new product developments and validation. In addition, this role assists in internal and external research to ensure best in class testing procedures and applied biomechanical and physiology knowledge.

Key Responsibilities:

Concept Testing (Operational)

• Plan and execute physical and human performance tests and studies (using appropriate equipment) both in a sport science lab and in the field within given timelines and according to latest testing standards
• Evaluate, track and analyze test results; write scientific reports, summaries and presentations
• 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
• Ensure on-time data management and storage in the respective testing systems in 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 and to explore and define specific research projects
• Build expert knowledge of biomechanics and/or physiology within key business units to support performance-driven products
• Support the evaluation of Innovation projects and 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 and communicate product opportunities and business risks
• Resolve or escalate project issues/risks based on expertise

Concept Testing (Strategic)

• Assist in the development of a strategic research and testing plan aligned with department plans and ambitions
• 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
• 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
• Strategize 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
• Mentor team members and cross functional partners to develop specific performance and research understanding

Key Relationships:

Internal:

• Global Testing & Quality Team
• BU Product Creation Teams
• Athlete Product Excellence
• Athlete Performance
• Innovation
• Sports Marketing
• Legal

External:

• Testers, testing facilities, coaches and athletes
• Academic partners
• Consultants
• Testing equipment vendors

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• 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, organizational and presentation skills
• Computer literacy (MS Office) with the ability to analyze and understand large datasets, programming skills preferred
• Ability to work independently and within a team atmosphere

Requisite Education & Experience/Minimum Qualifications:

• University or college degree in biomechanics, physiology, (bio)mechanical engineering, or equivalent
• First relevant working experience required