Sr. Professional, Footwear & Accessories Color Developer

At Under Armour, we are committed to empowering those who strive for more. Our values—Act Sustainably, Celebrate the Wins, Fight on Together, Love Athletes, and Stand for Equality—serve as a roadmap for our teams and define the qualities expected of every teammate. These values unite us, fuel our innovation, and drive our mission to develop and deliver state-of-the-art products and digital tools that make top performers even better.

Purpose of Role

We are searching for a Sr. Professional, Footwear Color Development to focus on and elevate UA Color Development for Footwear products. The Sr. Professional will primarily focus on Footwear but will also have opportunities to collaborate across the brand and access the latest technologies and innovations. This role is part of Under Armour’s growth and legacy-building efforts.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the color development process, procedures, and execution for Footwear components.
• Partner with cross-functional Footwear teams and external suppliers to create and implement color development processes.
• Develop, publish, and maintain Color Development SOPs for Footwear components and products.
• Train suppliers on color development best practices and standards.
• Collaborate with suppliers on component color development, including reviewing, assessing, and tracking color submissions.
• Partner with the Footwear Development team on model-level color reviews and approvals.
• Support UA Innovation teams with color expertise for new Footwear material developments.
• Work with third-party experts to develop color feasibility documentation and predictive color assessments for Footwear materials and components.
• Support print development and execution across Footwear components.
• Partner with Color Reviewers to assess color samples, provide feedback, and resolve color-related issues.
• Collaborate with component suppliers to ensure color alignment and successful color submission processes.
• Troubleshoot color development challenges using technical expertise and industry knowledge.
• Maintain the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of Footwear color data.
• Partner with suppliers and internal teams to ensure high standards of data management and hygiene.
• Explore and support PLM and software enhancements to improve Footwear color data management.
• Support seasonal tracking and reporting of buy-ready statuses and supplier performance metrics.
• Partner with Color Analysts to develop and publish supplier assessment criteria and seasonal scorecards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to report seasonal buy-ready status for Footwear components.
• Support seasonal color palette development from a Footwear perspective.
• Develop and distribute seasonal color feasibility documentation to suppliers.
• Support the development of innovative Footwear materials, finishes, and color applications.
• Contribute to 3D material and product development initiatives for Footwear components.
• Partner with regional Color Development teams to troubleshoot issues, deliver training, and ensure global process alignment.
• Support Under Armour sustainability initiatives by incorporating sustainability metrics and improvements into color development processes.
• Perform additional duties and projects as required.

Qualifications

• Superior color discrimination skills, demonstrated through a required FM100 color vision assessment (digital FM100 test completed during the interview process; physical FM100 test required upon hire and every six months thereafter).
• Strong understanding of color science and color measurement technologies, including:
  • Spectrophotometers
  • Lightboxes
  • Color standards and testing tools
• Knowledge of the color development lifecycle, including:
  • Lab dips
  • Bulk lot approvals
  • Color review and approval processes
• Experience working with non-apparel components such as:
  • Footwear
  • Trims
  • Hardgoods
  • Other component materials (highly preferred)
• Proficiency with enterprise software systems, including PLM platforms and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and within cross-functional teams.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet multiple deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally to supplier facilities and Under Armour offices as required.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree (BA or BS) in Apparel Design, Fashion Merchandising, Material Development, or a related field. Alternatively, equivalent experience in Footwear Development, Material Development, Trim Development, or Color Development.
• Minimum 4+ years of relevant industry experience.

Workplace Location

This role requires residency within commuting distance of our Baltimore office and follows a hybrid work schedule, with 4 days in-office per week. Under Armour does not offer sponsorship for employment-based work authorization for this position, and relocation assistance is not provided.

Pay

Base compensation ranges from $65,000.00 to $90,000.00 USD. Most new hires fall within this range and have the opportunity to earn more over time. Initial placement within the salary range is based on an individual’s relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits

• Paid "UA Give Back" Volunteer Days to support initiatives in your local community.
• Under Armour merchandise discounts.
• Competitive 401(k) plan matching.
• Maternity and Parental Leave for eligible and FMLA-eligible teammates.
• Health & fitness benefits, discounts, and resources to promote physical activity and overall well-being.