We are seeking a forward-thinking individual, with operational start-up experience, to partner with the Innovation team in all aspects of the opening and ongoing operations for a 35,000 square-foot facility focused on exploring advanced manufacturing processes and prototyping/sampling of apparel and footwear near our Baltimore, MD Corporate Headquarters. The Senior Manager, Advanced Manufacturing is responsible for overseeing the development and operations of the Under Armour Advanced Manufacturing pilot shop, focusing on improving process developments and the finding innovative prototype methods, models and equipment in support of the brands mission, to create the best performance based apparel and footwear.
Take a hands-on role to enable the advancement and commercialization of new processes and products.
Oversee process, refinement, and procedures in Pressing, Cutting, Embellishment, Stitching, Lasting/Soling and other functional requirements of building Footwear and Apparel product.
Be a champion of the new collaborative space working with the designers, engineers, developers, and product line managers within Under Armour and be a conduit to the external world.
Identify and procure necessary machines, equipment and supplies to set up a prototype shop capable of producing performance apparel and footwear
Create and implement a work plan that leads to the evolution of the development process, including the use of innovative soling techniques and development of other new processes that reduce our reliance on direct labor
Work closely with design and development counterparts to evolve and deliver concepts and prototypes that exploit new process developments
Develop the standard operating procedures and performance tracking for all shop activities including material handling, project intake and workflow and quality inspection
Develop and oversee supply chain and procurement for shop
Create a process for identification and protection of intellectual property
Communicate and follow up on development of prototype product with project designers, developers, material vendors, and mold shops
Act as point person for all sample-related communication
Maintain an open line of communication to resolve performance and construction issues; track and understand prototype issues for future planning
Conduct a needs assessment for scalable manufacturing delivery
Drive the innovation calendar through maintained accountability for on-time deliverables
Consistently lead in implementing new innovations; Actively reach out for new technologies related to both product and process
Foster an open mind and a desire to explore new frontiers in manufacturing and product creation!
Qualifications
Knowledge of footwear construction, material construction and properties, textile manufacturing, costing, pattern making, mold engineering and materials, lasts, embroidery and screen printing preferred.
Ability to design and build prototypes of significant complexity with efficiency and accuracy.
Responsive and efficient; ability to organize and manage multiple projects to meet quality/brand standards and deadlines.
Visionary – ability to evaluate a process and brainstorm ideas of how to make it better.
Willingness to spend time in manufacturing environments to drive products and processes that are innovative.
Independent thinker willing to challenge conventional wisdom.
Highly motivated and able to drive results and the process of converting an idea into production.
Proven interpersonal skills required; with ability to develop effective relationships.
Resiliency, tenacity and able to give and receive feedback.
A progressive thinker that has experience working with process improvement methods.
Proven project management skills; the ability to manage multiple high exposure projects, which may have competing demands, with limited resources.
Proven track record in assisting in development of one-off innovative designs.
Must be a skilled leader who creates an inspiring vision, who communicates the vision well, and who leads by example through mentoring and coaching a high performance technical team.
Multi-lingual English, Spanish, or Mandarin a plus.
Education and/or Experience
High School Graduation required, Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent preferred
A minimum of 7-10 years of hands on experience in functional footwear prototyping and advanced manufacturing with at least 7 years of footwear or apparel athletic equipment industry experience.
Previous management experience required.
Bilingual is a plus.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Approximately 3 direct reports and 15+ indirect reports
Physical Demands
The ability to frequently lift items weighing an average of 20 to 30 pounds with a maximum of 65 pounds throughout a full shift of work
Travel
Travel as required by the needs of the business such as industry related conferences, trade shows, factories and visits to potential partner organizations.
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