Manager, Pattern (Apparel)

Position Overview

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

Our product development teams create every shirt, every shoe, and every piece of equipment for athletes and style communities worldwide as if it were one of a kind. Translating design concepts into high performance, technically precise apparel requires expertise, innovation, and strong cross functional collaboration.

As Pattern Engineer Apparel, you will drive the 2D and 3D pattern creation process for innovative and complex products in partnership with Marketing, Design, Product Development, and supplier teams. You will play a key role in supporting the business unit strategy and global framework by driving consistent processes, standards, and methodologies that ensure quality, fit, speed, and value.

This role contributes to advancing digital product creation by integrating technical expertise with evolving systems and tools. You will also serve as a subject matter expert, training and advising internal teams and suppliers to strengthen overall technical capability across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Pattern Strategy and Process Leadership: Lead and drive the basic pattern process and selection to anticipate future business needs and define foundational pattern requirements.

Fit Consistency and Global Alignment: Support the global basic pattern process with a focus on maintaining consistent fit standards across business units and creation centers.

Grading and Standardization: Evaluate, create, and implement standard grading rules to ensure consistency in fit and contribute to overall pattern and fit guidelines.

Pattern Creation and Development: Develop new basic and model patterns while driving both 2D and 3D pattern creation in collaboration with cross functional partners. Ensure all patterns are accurately maintained within product creation systems and wear tested as required.

Global Pattern Consolidation: Collaborate with global pattern teams to consolidate basic patterns across business units and act as a key point of contact for pattern related topics within the assigned category.

Innovation and Technical Solutions: Drive new pattern solutions by leveraging advanced methods, systems, and construction techniques to meet creative and performance goals.

Material and Cost Optimization: Understand and apply the relationship between pattern construction, material properties, and yield to ensure optimal fit, efficiency, and margin.

Digital Creation and Tool Development: Support digital pattern initiatives, including tool development and smart solutions that enable the future of digital product creation.

Process and Framework Implementation: Develop and implement standardized processes and frameworks to improve efficiency, consistency, and scalability across teams.

Training and Advisory Support: Advise and train Marketing, Design, and Product Development teams on pattern, fit updates, and technical problem solving.

Performance Monitoring and Capability Building: Monitor performance and provide training on pattern creation and grading while supporting capability development within the area of responsibility.

Training Program Development: Create training plans, manuals, and measurement guidelines in collaboration with global pattern teams to standardize best practices.

Mentorship and Team Development: Mentor junior team members in 2D and 3D pattern making, fit, and technical execution.

Virtual Prototyping and Speed to Market: Create virtual prototypes to improve efficiency and accelerate the product creation process.

Testing and Validation: Manage testing of new patterns and garment constructions in collaboration with sample studios and testing teams to ensure quality and performance standards are met.

Required Qualifications

• Technical college, fashion school, or university degree in pattern making, grading, Meisterbrief, or equivalent education.

• Minimum 2 years of experience in apparel pattern engineering or related technical roles.

• Advanced knowledge of pattern creation and grading with strong understanding of garment construction and material properties.

• Ability to interpret and evaluate designs at a model level for pattern execution and engineering.

• Strong understanding of apparel manufacturing and production processes.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to present technical information clearly.

• Proficiency in Gerber or similar CAD programs.

• Advanced IT skills including MS Office, Adobe applications, and Product Data Management systems.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross functional teams.

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with 3D tools such as CLO 3D or similar programs.

• Exposure to digital product creation initiatives and tool development.

• Experience supporting global teams and cross functional product creation environments.

Work Environment

Hybrid work model requiring in office attendance Monday through Thursday, with remote flexibility on Fridays based on business needs.

Primary work location is Los Angeles, California.

Working language is English.

This role operates in a collaborative product creation environment with frequent cross functional interaction and extended screen time.

Reporting Structure

Reports to leadership within the Apparel Product Development or Pattern Engineering organization.

This role does not include direct people management responsibilities.

Collaborates closely with Marketing, Design, Product Development, Materials Development, Sourcing, Fit and Wear Testing teams, and external partners.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90, to $, annually.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, skills, and demonstrated proficiency in the role.

This position is eligible for an annual performance bonus based on company and individual performance.

adidas offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical coverage with HSA or FSA options, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.

• Adoption, surrogate, and fertility support.

• Short and long term disability coverage.

• Basic life and AD and D insurance with supplemental options available.

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

• Education assistance for eligible full time employees.

• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.

• Flexible time off accrued at 0. hours per day, increasing with tenure.

• Twelve paid holidays plus milestone Service Time Off.

• Access to employee wellness programs and product discounts.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at adidas means championing individual uniqueness and cultivating a culture of belonging in which everyone can create at their best. We embrace diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and seek to build a workforce that reflects the consumers and communities we serve.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.