Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization
Own the definition of research-informed athlete problem statements, drive athlete engagement requirements to address these statements, and conduct research, non-standardized testing, and validation to solve against identified problems.
Build and enhance performance validation tools, guidelines, and processes.
Act as a key driver of innovation for development teams in Innovation and the brand.
Key Responsibilities
* Drive internal and external programs which deliver sports science insights to increase the understanding of the athlete and athlete-product interactions
* Utilize scientific expertise to develop and implement protocols that deliver performance insights
* Drive research programs with external partners, to constantly increase the team’s capabilities
* Drive new validation strategies, including both perception and performance testing, to efficiently evaluate and document the benefit of product and experience for athletes
* Manage and execute research and non-standardized testing of prototypes and innovative product concepts, prior to commercialization, in close cooperation with other members of the Athlete Performance team
* Collaborate with the cross-functional Innovation team to bring new concepts to life, via sports science insights, which enable an increased performance
Key Relationships
* Innovation teams
* Athlete Servicing
* Testing & Quality
* Business Units
* Research institutions and industrial and academic partners
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
* Curiosity for science and technology with a passion for making insights in the field of sport
* Ability to understand scientific and complex information, and communicate this to technical and non-technical audiences
* Proven knowledge in football (soccer) performance, ideally including product
* Educate and train colleagues by sharing knowledge on an on-going basis
* Demonstrate the ability to work independently and within a team atmosphere
* Fluent English (required), German (advantageous)
* Communicate and negotiate effectively
* Cooperate well, develop and maintain relationships
* Work independently as well as part of a team
* Plan working time efficiently, balancing short term tasks with long term goals
* Strong analytical skills, solution driven and result oriented
* Ability to travel domestically and internationally
Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications
* University degree in sport science or relevant field
* 8 years of working experiences (PhD or relevant experiences will be considered)