Director Research & Sport Science Innovation

SPEED & SPIRIT is what we look for in our candidates, defined by some simple values that inspire us to BE DRIVEN in our performance, BE VIBRANT in our sporting legacy, BE TOGETHER in our team spirit, and to let our individual talent and experience shine. Applying for a job at PUMA is easy.

Simply click APPLY ONLINE and follow the steps to upload your application.

YOUR MISSION

• Lead and shape the global research and insights vision in partnership with Innovation, Creative Direction, and Business Unit leadership to drive long-term brand and product innovation strategy.
• Establish and oversee cross-functional operating models, communication frameworks, and governance processes that align innovation initiatives across the organization.
• Direct end-to-end research strategies by integrating consumer, athlete, market, and performance insights into holistic evaluations that inform executive decision-making and business priorities.
• Champion a culture of innovation by challenging conventional methodologies, encouraging disruptive thinking, and identifying scalable solutions to complex business and product challenges.
• Define strategic frameworks that translate research learnings into commercially viable performance products and culturally relevant street-ready concepts.
• Lead and expand strategic research partnerships with external agencies, universities, laboratories, and industry experts to deliver validated performance insights and breakthrough innovation opportunities.
• Oversee negotiation and development of collaboration agreements in partnership with Legal and Procurement teams to ensure compliant, scalable, and mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Build, influence, and maintain strong executive-level relationships with key internal stakeholders, external partners, and industry leaders.
• Serve as a senior innovation representative and trusted partner to elite athletes, leveraging athlete insights to influence product direction, storytelling, and innovation strategy.
• Mentor and develop high-performing teams by fostering collaboration, accountability, and a forward-thinking innovation mindset across the organization.
• Drive organizational alignment by presenting strategic recommendations, research outcomes, and innovation opportunities to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.
• Ensure innovation initiatives are executed with operational excellence, measurable impact, and alignment to brand, consumer, and business objectives.

YOUR TALENT

• Extensive leadership experience in research, insights, innovation, or strategy roles within consumer goods, sports, performance, lifestyle, or related industries, with a proven ability to shape long-term innovation agendas.
• Strong expertise in translating consumer, athlete, market, and performance insights into actionable strategies, product concepts, and business opportunities that create measurable impact.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing, cross-functional teams while fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, accountability, and continuous innovation.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to connect emerging trends, scientific research, consumer behavior, and business priorities into a clear innovation vision.
• Proven experience influencing senior executives and navigating complex stakeholder environments across global organizations.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to synthesize complex research findings into compelling recommendations for executive audiences.
• Strong track record of establishing and managing strategic partnerships with external agencies, academic institutions, laboratories, athletes, and industry experts.
• Experience negotiating and managing collaborative partnerships in close alignment with Legal, Procurement, and other key business functions.
• Deep understanding of innovation processes, research methodologies, and insight-generation frameworks, combined with the confidence to challenge conventional approaches and drive disruptive thinking.
• Credibility and confidence in engaging with elite athletes, industry leaders, and senior stakeholders, translating their perspectives into meaningful innovation opportunities.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance consumer desirability, technical feasibility, and commercial viability when shaping innovation strategies.
• Highly collaborative and influential leader who thrives in ambiguous environments, drives alignment across diverse teams, and successfully delivers complex initiatives at global scale.
• Passion for sport, performance, culture, and innovation, with a forward-looking mindset and a relentless drive to shape the future of products and experiences.

PUMA provides equal opportunities for all job applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex,

gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Equality for all is one of the core principles at

PUMA and we do not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination.

At PUMA, every application is reviewed by real people who are committed to fairness, transparency, and equal

opportunity - no matter your background, identity, or experience.To ensure our process stays true to these values, no automated systems or AI tools are used to make hiring decisions. Every decision is made by real people -with real judgment and accountability. We may use functions supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to carry out isolated organizational steps, such as scheduling interviews. These functions have no influence on decisions in the application process. We believe in creating spaces where everyone is welcome, celebrated, and empowered to contribute authentically. Because at PUMA, whoever wants to play, can play.

PUMA is a global sports brand creating footwear, apparel, and accessories that inspire athletes and everyday movers. The PUMA Group owns PUMA, Cobra Golf, and stichd, operates in 120+ countries, and has around 22,000

employees worldwide.