nicolas fradet

designer and product development manager

Aix-les-Bains, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France

About

Dynamic product management professional with over 15 years of experience in the sporting goods industry, currently serving as Head of Offer at Adidas Combat Sport. Proven expertise in driving lifecycle management & product development, strategy across outdoor sports, military, medical, and fashion sectors. Adept at fueling market growth through consumer-centric marketing strategies, sustainable innovations, and cross-functional leadership. Key achievements include rebooting product lines, achieving an 84% sales increase in the bags category at BABOLAT VS, and implementing eco-friendly solutions that reduce environmental impact. Skilled in managing design and development teams, conducting market analysis, and ensuring product quality and profitability.

Experience

  • Head of offer at Adidas combat sport - Double D
    Mar 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 4 mos

    Lead a dynamic team of product managers, developers and designers to ensure our product offerings meet market demands and align with company goals. Product Strategy and Development: Oversee the development and execution of comprehensive product strategies. Guide the team in identifying market trends, understanding customer needs, and conducting competitive analysis to drive product innovation and improvement on 6 different sports. Portfolio Management: Manage the entire product lifecycle from concept to market launch. Ensure the team maintains a balanced and profitable product mix. Market Analysis: Direct the team in conducting thorough market research to understand consumer preferences, identify market gaps, and explore opportunities for new product introductions. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Facilitate effective collaboration between the product team and other departments such as marketing, sales, design, and supply chain to ensure cohesive product development and successful market entry. Pricing and Positioning: Lead the team in setting pricing strategies and positioning products effectively in the market to maximize profitability and market share. Quality Assurance: Ensure all products meet the company’s quality standards and regulatory requirements through rigorous quality assurance processes managed by the team. Performance Monitoring: Oversee the tracking of product performance and guide the team in executing data-driven decisions to optimize the product portfolio and address any issues. Innovation Leadership: Foster a culture of innovation within the team to stay ahead of industry trends and maintain a competitive edge.

  • international Product line manager at Babolat
    Aug 2018 - Mar 2024 · 5 yrs 8 mos

    Achieved an 84% sales increase in four years by launching new product lines and rationalizing the range, leveraging strategic market insights and cross-functional collaboration. • Implemented disruptive marketing strategies to boost brand visibility and engage target audiences. • Drove innovation in product design, construction, sourcing, and industrialization processes. • Managed design and development teams with a strong focus on customer and user needs. • Pioneered the "sustainable transformation" initiative, shifting the entire category to 100% recycled materials

  • product development and design manager at WE GROUP LTD / ZULUPACK (global bag manufacturer)
    Dec 2009 - Sep 2018 · 8 yrs 10 mos

    Led design and technical development for a wide range of industries including military, medical, outdoor sports, and fashion. Oversaw a team of 3 designers and collaborated with a 10-member team in Shenzhen to serve over 75 European clients, such as BEAL, HOKA ONE ONE, and YAMAHA MOTORS. • Created custom solutions tailored to client needs, optimizing designs for profitability and efficiency over more than 2500 projects.• Defined style, materials, and ergonomic requirements, leading projects and selecting appropriate technologies. • Extensive knowledge in textile/fabric industrialization (e.g., EVA/PVC/PE thermoforming, stitching, high-frequency welding) and synthetic materials (thermoplastic injection, blow molding). • Specialized in designing military gear, outdoor equipment, waterproof bags, and fashion accessories.

  • Co-founder / designer developper at ZULUPACK
    Jan 2010 - Aug 2018 · 8 yrs 8 mos

    waterproof bags brand 100% waterproof. Launched a line of fully high-frequency welded, bags for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, driving growth through innovative material use and ergonomic designs. Designed and managed the entire product lifecycle, from concept to market, collaborating with production teams in China and Cambodia. Developed consumer-centric products using cutting-edge technologies, including world-first designs like the Addict 42 and 27 (dual-opening roll-top waterproof bags). Defined brand strategy and collaborated on marketing initiatives focused on customer needs and market trends.