Manager, Apparel Innovation Enablement

ABOUT YOUR ROLE

The Manager, Apparel Innovation Enablement is responsible for creating the conditions that allow apparel innovation to move efficiently from concept to commercialization.

This role focuses on establishing supplier capabilities, operating frameworks, collaboration models and commercialization pathways that enable Innovation teams, Product Creation teams and manufacturing partners to work together effectively throughout the innovation journey.

By balancing flexibility with appropriate governance, the role helps accelerate innovation while ensuring concepts are developed with consideration for quality, feasibility, scalability and successful market adoption.

The role acts as a catalyst for innovation by enabling experimentation, strengthening external capabilities and helping successful concepts transition into the broader Product Supply organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Innovation Ecosystem Development

• Build and maintain an ecosystem of suppliers and partners capable of supporting apparel innovation initiatives.
• Identify emerging capabilities, technologies and manufacturing opportunities that support future innovation.
• Strengthen relationships with suppliers, technical partners and external capability providers.
• Support capability building across the apparel innovation network.

Innovation Enablement

• Establish frameworks and ways of working that support rapid learning, experimentation and product validation.
• Create conditions that enable effective collaboration between Innovation teams and manufacturing partners.
• Remove barriers that slow innovation and product development.
• Support the adoption of new approaches that improve speed, agility and execution.

Commercialization Pathways

• Support the transition of innovation concepts into scalable commercial opportunities.
• Ensure innovation initiatives are connected to the appropriate Product Supply capabilities as they mature.
• Develop repeatable playbooks, frameworks and best practices that improve future innovation efforts.
• Help balance speed-to-market with appropriate levels of operational readiness.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner across Product Creation, Product Supply, Innovation and supplier organizations.
• Influence stakeholders through expertise, collaboration and problem solving.
• Foster a culture of innovation, learning and continuous improvement.

WHAT WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR IN YOU

• Strong understanding of apparel product development, manufacturing and commercialization.
• Experience working directly with suppliers and manufacturing partners.
• Ability to evaluate supplier capabilities and emerging technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to simplify processes and improve organizational effectiveness.
• Strong problem-solving, influencing and stakeholder-management skills.
• Experience supporting innovation, advanced development, commercialization or new manufacturing capabilities.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous and evolving environments.
• Exposure to sportswear, performance, technical, outdoor or emerging apparel categories is beneficial but not required.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Textiles, Apparel, Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Development or related field preferred.
• 8-10 years of experience in apparel sourcing, product development, manufacturing or commercialization.
• Experience supporting innovation, advanced manufacturing or emerging technologies is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.