Director Brand Process Operations jobs at Adidas in Netherlands, Amsterdam

For new ICO transition

What you'll do:

• Develop a 360° strategic management of Other Sports, managing it from a brand, communication and media perspective.
• Shape the strategic path for adidas Other Sports in Italy, finding the best plans and initiatives to become the market leader within all the segments.
• Identify and implement the proper media mix to achieve and maximize the strategic objectives (upper + mid funnel focus).
• Define the proper Brand, PR and Communication approach for each project, capable to achieve the brand and specific projects’ KPIs.
• Define, develop and steer Other Sports activation plans landing advanced comprehensive plans in alignment with Global BU across all communication channels (comms, media, PR, Newsroom, Digital, e com, events, etc) in collaboration with horizontal and vertical BU teams and Sports Marketing.
• Manage Global and local agencies across projects, campaigns and activations, from agency brief process, development and execution.
• Oversee development of communication tools from conception to implementation ensuring all projects are on brief on time and meet highest creative standards.
• Ensure all consumer touch points (comms, channel mkg, sport marketing) are in alignment and connected, ensuring a seamless consumer journey (digital and physical).
• Always look for the best relevant localization opportunities to empower brand visibility in all the touchpoints (digital and physical), in owned and earned properties.
• Implement media integrated communication plans and consumer activations and specific project, in line with strategic objectives and brand positioning and standards.
• Select the right communication events agencies/ media / partners for effective and compelling brand initiatives which sustain the category plans, guarantee brand consistency and high executional excellence.
• Define KPI setting for all plans and initiatives, be responsible for qualitative, quantitative analysis and reports to monitor effectiveness of the implemented projects and ensure brand excellence, all plans and initiatives must be on-budget/on-time.
• Monitor activities to evaluate return of the investments.

Skills you'll need:

• Experience in brand marketing and/or sales (football industry preferred)
• High level of strategic thinking
• Broad experience in marketing communication, campaign development and execution
• Advanced project management experience
• Advanced user of MS Office suite of products
• Consumer and customer-minded brand builder and implementation driven personality
• Experience with digital production process and technical nature of developing digital marketing initiatives.
• Experience managing communications touchpoint and evolving media landscape knowledge and it KPI
• Ability to manage or collaborate with internal and external multidisciplinary groups
• Strong Industry knowledge
• Strong passion for football, lifestyle, technology, gaming and trends in consumer behavior and evolution of communication landscape

Main requirements:

• Marketing / Communication working experience
• Fluent English (written and spoken)
• Fluent in local language (if applicable) preferred
• Excellent presentation skills

Life at adidas

• Annual bonus
• Meal Voucher
• Gym and Sports opportunities
• Free access to self-learning platform
• Hybrid working model

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops strategies for DC design standardization, both from a process and automation perspective where applicable
• Collaborates with Global Non-Trade Procurement to define global and regional supplier strategies
• Facilitate introduction of new distribution center technologies in cooperation with regional engineering teams
• Benchmark adidas DC designs against other companies to ensure ‘best in class’ adoption
• Review and validate major business cases for large-scale projects across all regions
• Reviews and signs off on new technical solutions for both internal and 3PL designs
• Defines global DC consulting and MHE vendor framework agreements and contracts
  

People Management

• Build the appropriate structure to be able to manage the respective organization effectively, identify and develop the future talents and create realistic succession scenarios for key position.
• Ensure appropriate leadership skills are present at every level by creating a motivational and supportive work environment in which employees are coached, trained and provided with career opportunities through development
• Allocate the different work streams to the respective teams and employees considering experience, project complexity, workload and organizational efficiency
• Continuously monitor and evaluate team workload and organizational efficiency with the support of IT systems, data and analysis and team feedback and make appropriate changes in order to meet business needs
• Provide team members/direct reports with clear direction, development and targets that are aligned with business needs and GIT objectives

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Internal

• Global Engineering team
• Distribution Center management
• Regional Supply Chain Management
• Strategy Management
• Performance Management
• Project Management
• IT (WMS/WCS) functions
• Selected other functions across the Group based on projects (Global Real Estate, Corporate Communication team, Project Steering Boards, sponsors)

External

• Outside vendors
• Consultants as appropriate

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Proven experience in DC design, including all aspects of Facility, layout, Automation and process design
• Ability to take business forecasts and translate into a facility design using CAD tools such as AutoCAD
• Adept at MHE specification including power equipment, conveyor systems, rack systems, sortation systems and various picking methodologies
• Relevant experience in complex business analytics in a distribution environment
• Formal training and application of Six Sigma, Lean and other process improvement methodologies preferred
• Solid background in work measurement programs such as Labor Management and Engineering Labor Standards desired
• Ability to present to middle and senior management to drive decision making
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and quantitative abilities
• Strong project management, planning and organization skills and ability to work and deliver in changing environments while adhering to specified deadlines and budgets
• Strong technical knowledge (of tools) as it relates to DC automation (e.g. ASRS, mini load, goods to man, sortation) and Warehouse Control Systems, as well as Manual DC concepts
• Excellent skills in creating complex presentations using Excel, PowerPoint and MS Project. Full understanding of warehouse management systems (WMS)
• Distribution, Logistics and overall supply chain understanding of processes and systems
• Contributes significantly to the achievement of department and/or project targets
• Mediate and bring cross-functional stakeholders with different objectives to agree on a consensus
• Excellent knowledge in engineering, combined with a broad knowledge of other areas in distribution
• Ability to plan, budget and manage project execution
• Experienced in leading international, cross-functional project teams
• Team management leadership experience

REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree and/or related work history in Engineering or business administration with focus on supply chain management with focus on distribution and/or industrial engineering preferred
• 12+ years of relevant distribution experience
• 7+ years management experience (of experts) required
• Experience in consumer goods or retail warehousing preferred
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally frequently
• Excellent English language proficiency; multi-lingual abilities in local languages preferred

PURPOSE & OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANIZATION:

• Lead and drive the SEA Marketing Operations (MOPS) function, with a strong focus on the Go-To-Market (GTM) process, ensuring seamless execution in alignment with Emerging Markets (EM) and Global MOPS guidelines.
• Optimize marketing systems, master data, and sample management to enhance operational excellence and cross-functional collaboration across SEA.

GTM Process & Strategic Alignment

• Own and lead the SEA GTM calendar and milestones, ensuring alignment across brand, channels, and country teams while working closely with EM MOPS.
• Drive on-time, in-full GTM milestone deliverables, ensuring all key stakeholders receive necessary updates and handovers.
• Support seasonal range handovers by collaborating with Category Management teams to ensure data accuracy and consistency.
• Support the buy review process, by consolidating range data to support the report for performance analytics and performance insights.

Marketing Systems & Process Excellence

• Manager marketing operations systems and tools, including RMA, M-3, RMT, Hub-Light, and T1 Studio.
• Drive system enhancements and process optimizations, working closely with IT and EM teams to improve efficiency and data accuracy.
• Provide process and system training to elevate professional skills and system proficiency within the SEA marketing team.

Sample Management & Budget Oversight

• Oversee SEA sample budget planning and tracking, ensuring an optimal allocation per category.
• Define sample ordering guidelines to maximize efficiency and minimize budget overruns.

Team Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead a team of three direct report, providing clear roles, responsibilities, and development plans to ensure full coverage across MOPS functions.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for marketing systems, master data, and sample management, ensuring business continuity.
• Foster strong relationships with SEA Brand, Finance, Demand Planning, IT, and Business Development teams, as well as EM MOPS and country brand teams.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• GTM Milestone Governance: Ensure alignment, tracking, and continuous improvement of GTM processes in collaboration with EM.
• Process & System Optimization: Drive efficiency improvements in ranging process, systems, and master data.
• Timely Deliverables: Ensure on-time submission of key GTM deliverables, including range planning, master data maintenance, and B2B sales interface (T1 Studio) updates.
• Stakeholder Communication: Maintain proactive and structured communication of EM updates to SEA brand and country teams.
• Team Development & Performance: Implement leadership and growth plans for MOPS team members to enhance expertise and accountability.

Key Relationships:

• SEA: SEA Brand, Finance, Demand Planning, IT, Business Development, Country Brand Teams
• EM: Emerging Markets MOPS, Business Units (BU) as needed

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong expertise in marketing operations, GTM processes, and system governance, preferably within a global matrix organization.
• Proven ability to drive process improvements and cross-functional collaboration across marketing, sales, finance, and operations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging senior leadership.
• Analytical mindset, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Proficiency in key marketing systems (SAP-based platforms, BI tools, and B2B sales interfaces preferred).

Requisite Education & Experience:

• ~7 years of experience in merchandising, marketing operations, or process management; regional exposure preferred.
• University degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.
• Fluent in English (written and verbal).

• Develop and optimize end-to-end financial processes and solutions within the R2R stream.

• Drive process standardisation, automation, and efficiency initiatives using Lean Methodology.

• Support IFRS implementation, data analytics, and financial reporting standardisation.

• Lead or participate in medium-sized projects to enhance financial operations and compliance.

• Implement and manage R2R technology solutions such as SAP FI/CO, BSR, ARIBA, SmartClose, and HighRadius.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to drive continuous improvement and process excellence.

• Ensure adherence to internal controls, regulatory requirements, and corporate finance policies.

• Provide expertise in accounting, tax processes, inter-company reconciliation, and financial primary data governance.

• Proficient spoken and written command of English (mandatory).

• Degree in Business Administration, IT, Finance, or a related field.

• 5-7 years of experience in finance, accounting, or shared service environments.

• Strong understanding of IFRS accounting standards and financial reporting processes.

• Experience with SAP FI/CO and financial automation tools.

• Analytical mindset with expertise in process design, data governance, and compliance.

• Strong stakeholder management, problem-solving, and communication skills.

• Project management experience and ability to work in a dynamic, international environment.

• Experience in shared service center organisations (preferential).

• Knowledge of regional and global financial market landscapes (preferential).

• Competitive salary, bonus, and benefits package.

• Hybrid work policy and flexible working hours.

• Sports and work-life balance incentives.

• Opportunities for upskilling and career growth, both locally and internationally.

• A diverse and inclusive work environment.

• State-of-the-art office spaces and modern work conditions.

Note: this is a 1-year temporary role.

Primary

• Ensure timely delivery to meet SCM KPIs, including on-time shipment fulfillment and transport efficiency targets
• Manage daily transport arrangements for customer orders, store replenishments, including daily Auto Replenish orders to prevent stock fulfillment delays
• Arrange export shipments and coordinate documentation for Interco and overseas customer orders
• Optimizing outbound delivery performance with cost-saving initiatives, strengthening processes and policies, and leveraging systems
• Analyze and coordinate with Customer Service & Sales team for warehouse capacity planning at daily/ weekly/monthly Delivery Notes to 3PL Warehouse to maximize outbound capacity and efficiency
• Audit on POD
• Handle store-to-store transport arrangements, ensuring timely and cost-effective transfers
• Handle return shipments and follow up to ensure a smooth reverse logistics process
• Investigate and follow up on delivery discrepancies, including short shipments and order mismatches, within the agreed timeline
• Raise credit or debit notes when discrepancies occur, such as shortages affecting customer orders
• Ensuring good warehouse practices are continually maintained to make the “Best in Class” facility in the region
• Ensuring a continuous creative improvement process thru problem identification and problem analysis
• Be responsible for vendor KPI performance such as 3PL Warehouse KPIs Performance & Transport Delivery On time performance, analyze & identify areas of improvement
• Monitor the daily performance of transport vendors, including adherence to delivery timelines and service levels
• Ensure vendors comply with agreed transport service levels, raising any performance issues for corrective action
• Vigilant in being the gatekeeper in any deviation in process
• Constantly analyzing the “health” status of the outbound operations with the help of collected data

Secondary

• Act as a point of contact for stores regarding delivery schedules and discrepancies
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders (Own Retail, Key Account Managers, Outbound Fulfillment team, warehouse) to resolve transport-related issues efficiently
• Prepare and submit weekly and monthly reports on outbound logistics performance, transport efficiency, and discrepancy trends
• Manage and control Outbound management activities in accordance to the Statement Of Work (SOW)
• On time verification & coding of outbound related invoices before submission for approval by Manager, Operations
• Inter-support of inbound control & management in the absence of an Inbound Associate
• Perform any other roles or duties assigned by Manager, Operations which is deemed reasonable, practical and logical