Manager, Development Apparel

Title: Manager, Development Apparel

(Basketball)

Location: Los Angeles, CA, US

Workplace: Full time

Department: Product Development & Operations

Job Description:

POSITION OVERVIEW

At adidas, we never launch a product unless we consider it perfect.

Our product creation teams combine craftsmanship, innovation, and technical expertise to bring every apparel product to life with precision and purpose. From concept through commercialization, each stage of development plays a critical role in delivering products that meet the needs of athletes and consumers around the world.

The Manager, Development Apparel (Basketball) is responsible for managing the end-to-end development process for assigned basketball apparel styles from seasonal kickoff through buy-ready commercialization. This role ensures products are executed on time, within margin targets, and at the required quality and performance standards while maintaining the integrity of the original design vision.

This position partners closely with Design, Marketing, Materials, Costing, Testing, Quality, Sourcing, and external manufacturing partners to drive product excellence across the basketball category. The role requires strong technical expertise, decision making capability, and cross-functional collaboration to support innovation, operational efficiency, and commercial success.

The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of apparel product creation, garment construction, fit development, and manufacturing processes. They thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about delivering premium basketball products that elevate athlete and consumer experiences.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Product Development Management: Manage the product development process for assigned basketball apparel styles from seasonal kickoff through commercialization while ensuring adherence to calendar milestones, quality standards, and margin targets.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Communicate product requirements, development updates, and commercialization details effectively with Marketing, Design, Suppliers, LO/OC teams, and cross-functional partners to support efficient product creation.
• Cost Management: Ensure target pricing and product designs remain aligned through predictive costing analysis. Review, validate, and approve T1 costing information while supporting negotiations and cost optimization efforts throughout the creation process.
• Design Handover Execution: Manage the handover process from Design to T1 suppliers to ensure all product information is complete and commercially viable. Facilitate supplier feedback and incorporate opportunities to improve quality or cost efficiency without compromising product aesthetics.
• Data Accuracy and Systems Management: Ensure timely and accurate data entry related to apparel details, bill of materials, costing, and development information across Product Data Management systems and calendar milestones.
• Prototype Evaluation: Review and evaluate prototypes for compliance with apparel specifications, fit standards, color execution, trims, accessories, and material requirements. Manage development comments and revisions with T1 suppliers.
• Quality and Compliance Oversight: Ensure all materials, trims, and prototypes meet adidas quality, safety, testing, and A01 standards. Escalate and manage quality exceptions with senior leadership when required.
• Size and Fit Validation: Review size sets and garment measurements for consistency, merchantability, logo placement, and fit execution across the full size range when applicable.
• Commercialization Readiness: Review and approve sealing samples and final apparel documentation prior to buy-ready milestones to ensure full compliance with published policies and legal standards.
• Innovation Research: Research and identify innovation opportunities related to garment construction, fit, embellishments, trims, and materials. Partner cross-functionally to implement new technologies and product improvements into the basketball apparel creation process.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Clothing Technology, Manufacturing, Textile Development, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum 5 years of experience within the garment or textile industry focused on apparel product development.

• Strong knowledge of garment construction, manufacturing processes, materials, and testing requirements.

• Experience evaluating garment fit and providing technical fit comments to suppliers.

• Knowledge of apparel costing and ability to support negotiation processes with manufacturing partners.

• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in a cross-functional environment.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Product Data Management systems.

• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience supporting basketball or performance apparel product categories.

• Familiarity with global sourcing operations and supplier management processes.

• Experience working directly with T1 and T2 manufacturing partners.

• Knowledge of quality assurance, testing standards, and commercialization processes within the apparel industry.

• Ability to manage multiple product creation timelines in a fast-paced environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is based in Los Angeles, California and follows a hybrid work model requiring in-office attendance Monday through Thursday with remote flexibility on Fridays. Additional in-office presence may be required based on business needs, collaboration requirements, or presentations.

The work environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and team-oriented with frequent interaction across global functions and external manufacturing partners. Domestic and international travel may be required to support development, sourcing, testing, and commercialization activities.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

This role reports into the Apparel Development leadership organization and works closely with cross-functional partners across Design, Marketing, Materials, Costing, Quality, Testing, Sourcing, Global Supply Planning, and external suppliers.

The position maintains significant cross-functional exposure and plays a critical role in aligning product development execution with business objectives, commercialization timelines, and consumer expectations.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $108,000 to $115,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, qualifications, skills, and competencies.

adidas offers a comprehensive and competitive rewards package designed to support employees both professionally and personally.

Employees in this role are eligible to participate in annual bonus programs based on company and individual performance.

• Comprehensive medical coverage including HSA with employer funding or FSA options, dental, vision, and prescription plans.

• Adoption, surrogate, and fertility support programs.

• Short and long term disability coverage.

• Basic life and AD and D insurance with supplemental employee paid options.

• 401(k) plan and Stock Purchase Plan with employer match.

• Education assistance for eligible full time employees.

• 12 weeks of paid parental leave and generous leave policies.

• Flexible time off accrued at 0.4388 hours per day, increasing with tenure.

• Twelve paid holidays plus milestone Service Time Off.

• Employee product discounts and access to wellness programs.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

At adidas, we foster a workplace culture built on respect, collaboration, and opportunity where employees can grow, contribute, and perform at their best.

We value diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds because they strengthen our teams, drive innovation, and help us better serve athletes, consumers, and communities around the world.

adidas is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.