Senior Manager Materials Sustainability Apparel (Chemical Recycling) (m/f/d)

Job content

Purpose

Chemical expert to manage and drive processes, procedures and communication with regards to the research and implementation of sustainable materials and materials innovation. Working on the chemical recycling of synthetics fibers with the focus on PES and PA but going forward to investigate the chemistry of biobased and other fibers and the recyclability of those to build a circular economy.

Overall

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide input regarding market trends and opportunities for innovative and sustainable materials, and likely activities of key competitors to cross-functional product creation teams.
• Create a communication strategy to all stakeholders to ensure transparency about projects.
• Ensure a smooth implementation of new processes (where applicable) by managing roll-out and trainings within the context of the project.
• Communicate and train cross-functional teams on research and development findings and opportunities.
• Provide technical and commercial advise and consult the x-functional teams regarding innovative and sustainable materials and processes.
• Ensure all legal requirements (e. g. for new materials, suppliers, external organizations, etc.) are covered and consult legal department where needed.
  

Sustainability/Innovation

• Steer the prioritization and implementation process with cross-functional product creation teams.
• Collaborate with the adidas Future team in order to support brand concepts, innovation platforms and the alignment of the roadmaps of Future and material innovation inline.
• Evaluate new technologies, pull in experts where needed (Social and Environmental Affairs, Global Operations – Sustainability, Future etc.) to identify consumer benefits and relevance for brand concepts.
• Act as a material innovation consultant on a global adidas brand level.
• Lead the research and development efforts for innovative sustainable technologies in close collaboration with sourcing and key suppliers
• Implement the strategy and initiatives related to the environmental company strategy from an apparel materials perspective by creating business cases / documentation / presentations and managing projects
• Represent adidas at environmental materials related conferences and manage the relationship with external organizations and business partners
• Represent the team in x-functional/divisional environmental projects
• Act as a consultant in environmental materials topics.
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Expert chemical engineering or Chemist PHD
• Some basic background in the apparel industry and supply chain
• Expert knowledge about manufacturing process, fabrics, mechanical and chemical treatments and the associated cost structure
• Ability to effectively communicate (both written and verbal) and to lead discussions in small and larger groups
• Ability to create, plan and effectively deliver presentations in formal and informal settings
• Ability to cope with change, make decisions and act comfortably with risk and uncertainty
• Ability to clearly articulate goals and objectives to direct reports and senior management
• Ability to travel, domestic and international as required by business needs.
• Fluent English (verbal and written)
• Strong IT skills (MS office)
  

Requisite Education And Experience / Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Sustainable Materials or related Sustainability discipline or comparable degree/education
• Minimum of 8 years work experience in sustainability roles with emphasis on the textiles industry