PURPOSE & OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANIZATION

As Manager Global Continuous Improvement, you will be responsible for guiding and mentoring adidas SCM teams in Kaizen and Continuous Improvement activities. You will ensure adidas operational basics are in place across all warehouses of our own and sub-contracted network globally in collaboration with market CI teams. The role incorporates collaboration with the community of Lean Ambassadors based in our warehouses.

The Manager Continuous Improvement (CI) drives the development, implementation, and sustainment of CI practices across Global Supply Chain. This role ensures operational excellence through the application of lean methodologies, Kaizen, and data-driven improvements in E2E SCM. The position partners with GSCM stakeholders, DC leadership, operations, and cross-functional stakeholders to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, improve service levels, and foster a culture of continuous improvement & Kaizen across the network.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the deployment of CI strategies, methodologies, and frameworks across Global SCM
• Facilitate and coach Large scale Kaizen events- 3-Day/5-Day, workshops, and problem-solving sessions to drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and cost in E2E SCM
• Establish performance dashboards and KPIs to track, analyze, and report CI initiatives and outcomes.
• Partner with SCM leaders and regional teams to identify opportunities, prioritize initiatives, and ensure execution of improvement roadmaps.
• Build and sustain a CI culture by training, mentoring, and engaging SCM employees at all levels.
• Ensure knowledge sharing and best practice exchange across the distribution network and wider GSCM Community including back-office functions
• Collaborate with engineering, automation, and global distribution excellence team to scale solutions and innovations.
• Support change management activities during DC transformation projects, system implementations, and network expansions.
• Align with global and Market Supply Chain strategies, ensuring CI efforts contribute to strategic goals (service, speed, cost, sustainability).

Kaizen events & Kaizen Funnel mgmt

• Drive high-impact Kaizen events and maintaining the Global Kaizen Funnel
• Establishing Problem solving culture with TPI-Transactional process improvement
• Deployment of Daily mgmt/Visual mgmt using SQCDP principle
• Guiding teams in refinement of Kaizen Chart, Kaizen pre-work and facilitation of Kaizen events at Gemba with Executive Report out
• Focus on sustainment of Kaizen events with 30-60-90 day principle
• Tracking and monitoring of TTI Bowler chart and conducting RCA for key misses

Adidas Performance Eco System (PeS)

• Support the Director Global CI to improve and apply PeS – a framework combined with a global toolbox to drive the continuous improvement Kaizen culture on the shop floor
• Roll out and monitor the PeS globally in close collaboration with market CI; create lighthouses
• Influence/coach SCM leadership to embrace performance and continuous improvement culture; vulgarize Kaizen to drive high acceptance among GSCM community
• Coordinate training, coaching, and mentoring in continuous improvement concepts and techniques via the community of Lean Ambassadors (Global CI Community)
• Work with market teams to drive continuous improvement roadmap with Kaizens
• Developing and owning strategic plan initiatives for Policy deployment/Goal deployment

CI Learning, Certified Community & Best Practices

• Train and coach our community of Lean Ambassadors and wider GSCM Community for Kaizen/CI/Lean toolbox
• Engage in the identification and scaling up of best practices across the regions with your peers and the global community of Lean Ambassadors

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Director Global Continuous Improvement
• Regional SCM Heads
• Local DC Operations Management
• SCM functions
• Lean Ambassadors
• Finance/Controlling
• Regional Project Management team
• Engineering and IT teams
• 3PL providers
• External consultants (as needed)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Hands on knowledge with application of Lean/Kaizen/CI tools like 5S,Value Stream Mapping,Root Cause Analysis, Hoshin Kanri, Visual mgmt.,DMAIC-Six Sigma, SAFe-Lean Agile etc.
• Practical experience of Business mgmt. systems/Production systems like TPS etc.
• Great expertise of operational performance management, Lean, Continuous Improvement principles applied in e2e Supply Chain
• Demonstrated experience in running large scale Kaizen events of 3-Day/5-Day
• Ability to travel, domestic or international, as required (50% or more as required)
• Stakeholder Management on all levels
• Pro-active (engaging & impact-oriented) mindset, ability to think end-to-end with a global mindset
• Ability to lead and influence without formal reporting line
• Ability to think strategically, synthesize complex data and develop innovative solutions
• Ability to be self-directed while working under tight deadlines
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with different international cultures
• Strong communication, facilitation and presentation skills to all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Strong communication (both written and verbal) and facilitation skills (small and large groups) especially when interacting with different levels of business
• Fluent English (verbal and written) at C level
• Foreign language skills: Additional language skills like Spanish/German/Mandarin etc. would be preferred
• Strong MS-Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), MS Visio, Power BI, MS SharePoint, Smartsheets etc.

REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent academic track record with Bachelors degree in Mechanical/Industrial
• Engineering/Production Engineering with focus on Lean management
• Excellent academic track record with MBA from renowned Business School would be preferred
• Education as a certified Lean Leader or Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt would be preferred
• Industry recognized certification in Project management like PMI-PMP, IPMA or PRINCE2
• Industry recognized certification in Change mgmt. like PROSCI etc. would be preferred
• Minimum 3-5+ year experience in managing remote teams
• Willingness to travel globally for Kaizen events, in-house consulting (50% or more as required)
• Minimum 5+ year experience in applying Lean, Kaizen, continuous improvement concepts in End-2-End Supply Chain
• Experience working in logistics or in manufacturing operations with focus on Kaizen/Lean/CI activities
• Experience working in international setup with cross-functional teams including collaboration with senior leadership in a fast-paced environment
• Professional experience working in foreign countries and strong intercultural competence would be an added advantage
• Consultation/coaching competency-problem solving attitude, coaching skills, change mgmt

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization:

The Financial Planning & Analysis for& FranchiseEurope

The Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist will play a pivotal role in supporting and innovating financial planning & analysis processes, procedures, tools, and methodologies by harnessing the benefits of Power BI and other advanced technologies to generate business insights. The individual in this position will contribute to our digital finance transformation and promote a modern planning and analysis mindset within the Europe Finance community.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute budgeting, forecasting, cost monitoring and month end closing processes ensuring data quality and integrity across various systems and tools, with a focus on Retail& FranchiseEurope
• Facilitate the establishment of transparency and improvement in quality in budgeting, forecasting, cost monitoring and month end closing processes, while contributing to the integrity of these activities.
• Ensure data mechanization and daily/ monthly maintenance of the information in the reporting / planning systems
• Ensure the seamless operation of daily business activities by taking ownership of related responsibilities.
• Continuously seek opportunities to enhance daily tasks to optimize controlling, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), and overall financial execution, thereby facilitating improved sharing of key financial information.
• Execute standardized reporting and conduct ad-hoc analyses as required.
• Oversee cost centers and provide support to cost center managers in all financial matters, including investment and recruitment requests, as well as cost recharges.
• Manage and support small-scale projects, assisting in the implementation of findings and ensuring the sustainability of achievements.

Key Relationships

• Europe Finance FP&A community
• Retail& FranchiseEuropeBusiness Partner teams
• Accounting
• GBS Chennai

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong financial acumen
• Technical proficiency: Advanced skills in MS Office, particularly Excel, as well as SAP S/4HANA, SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC), and Power BI
• Proficient in reading, writing, and communicating in English within a business context
• Demonstrates meticulous attention to detail and a strong customer orientation
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities
• Proven history of successful collaboration in global, multinational projects
• Cultural sensitivity and openness to working in diverse business environments
• Capable of maintaining composure and effectiveness under stress and pressure, particularly when managing high workloads and meeting deadlines.

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications

• University degree (Bachelor, Master, MBA) in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or similar

• 1-3 plus years relevant work experience as CPA or equivalent
• Broad and deep theoretical understanding of job function

*We actively encourage individuals with disabilities to apply and will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Continuously aware and guides team on information needed to design a consumer and brand relevant collection. Should include all possible sources to gain this information

• Trade fairs, cultural events, and sporting events, athlete insights
• Trade publications, general interest press, trend services, fashion and sportswear magazines and websites
• Store checks, market visits, and team travel as provided
• Relevant forecast and sell-through numbers from our Marketing counterparts

Is a stakeholder in driving seasonal and long-term design direction and strategy for their category within the following topics

• Footwear and Apparel Color
• Footwear Materials
• Footwear and Apparel Silhouettes
• Graphics/Print Direction

• Creating 3D concept representation, 3D assets, digital product information for an accurate development and decision-making process

Is a stakeholder in curatingaforementioned design direction by, but not limited to

• Providing trend forecasting content relevant to our consumer and brand
• Providing direction and assisting in developing materials with the Material Team
• Working with Local and Global counterparts to provide category relative Color and Material direction when required
• Leads as a Color and Trend conduit to Marketing, Product Managers, Designers and in between Key Account and Inline
• Acts as a brand ambassador between all categories looking for opportunities to connect direction, product, and people
• Assisting in creating color design direction presentations

Works closely with members of the category’s design team. This includes but is not limited to:

• Providing Color and Material content and direction
• Collaboration and critiquing
• To understand technical details of the product

Works closely with members of the categories design team. This includes but is not limited to:

• Providing Color and Material content and direction
• Collaboration and critiquing
• Sets a leading example within the team and mentors
• Transfers prior experiences and knowledge to those around them
• Viewed within the team as a Color and Material expert and senior

Leads top-line range strategy in their categories. This includes but is not limited to:

• Leads their team in creating holistic category overviews, rollouts, and merchandising strategy for the category
• Communicate content to Footwear, Apparel, and Graphics Teams to align strategy
• Inform horizontal brand moments and category moments by leading products, Color and Material narratives/executions, and tiered rollout plans in partnership with Design, Marketing, and Concept To Consumer. This is a collaborative effort across disciplines & functions together.

Manages in designing Footwear Color and Material executions for Inline and Key Account ranges with input from Design, Marketing, and Development. This includes but is not limited to:

• Seasonal prep and research stated above
• Creates product design presentations; both physical and digital
• Exploratory process to reach final solution
• Creates Color CADs, Material Maps, & Graphic Maps.
• Guides their team in creating a quality and merchandisable range by having a detail to top-line view of all products
• Works closely with Development to assist in development process & costing; meet development timelines and calendar deadlines per seasonal milestone.
• Travel to Asia for development trips
• Assists in communicating inspiration and storytelling to Marketing and Concept To Consumer

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability and desire to manage others, which includes but is not limited to:
• Influencing and leading a team
• Productive critiquing and mentoring
• Creating more efficient, creative, and positive working environment
• A strong working knowledge of footwear construction and production
• A detailed understanding of the creation process
• A strong knowledge of material suppliers, material production, and technical material feasibilities
• Computer Skills

• Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop
• Power Point/Key Note
• Apple Mac Operating system

• Understanding of brand history and current positioning
• Understanding of marketplace (Footwear/streetwear/urban) history, consumer, and current positioning
• Has a strong understanding of Color and Material trends, application, and cycles
• Ability to understand design concepts and think conceptually
• Ability to create designs that meet category needs and commercial opportunities
• Ability to design for new initiatives and products with a fresh, innovative perspective
• Ability to operate in a fast pace, ever changing work environment
• Works well in a team environment. This position requires employee to engage with many stakeholders, as well as manage various information and relationships
• Ability and desire to push themselves, others, and the brand forward
• Ability to influence, negotiate, and collaborate with key business partners
• Strong presentation skills

• Strong 3D skills and knowledge of virtual tools are required

APP tools: Clo3D, Browzwear, VStitcher or similar 3D fashion design tools

FTW tools: Rhino, Modo, ICAD Pro, or similar 3D design tools

REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Four year college or university degree in industrial, graphics, apparel or footwear design
• Direct experience in footwear design, fashion design or any design relevant environment
• Thorough knowledge of art and design with clear understanding of visual design or any design related environment
• Six years relevant work experience
• Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be substituted for degree

ACCP1Assistant Designer JDAbout the Role:

Design & Concept Development

• Create innovative and functional design concepts for accessories (headwear, bags, socks, pet goods) that align with brand and commercial strategies.
• Translate concepts into detailed tech packs, sketches, and construction diagrams for a seamless handover to development teams.
• Ensure all designs maintain a consistent visual identity and uphold the adidas brand DNA.
• Collaborate with Apparel Designers to create cohesive, head-to-toe product stories.

Trend & Market Analysis

• Conduct ongoing research on global and local trends in streetwear, sport culture, and fashion.
• Integrate consumer and market insights from China’s dynamic landscape to ensure product relevance.
• Research and apply new materials, trims, and construction techniques to maintain a competitive edge.

Project Execution & Collaboration

• Manage and execute design tasks according to the seasonal calendar, ensuring on-time delivery for all milestones.
• Partner closely with Product Marketing and Development teams to balance creative vision with feasibility and commercial goals.
• Drive a structured design process, effectively managing multiple projects from concept to production.

Key Relationships

• Design Director / Senior Designers (Apparel & Accessories)
• Product Marketing
• Product Development
• Sourcing & Materials Teams
• Global Accessories Teams (for alignment)

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or a related field.
• 3+ years of accessories design experience, preferably within fashion, sporting goods, or a related industry.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating a clear understanding of form, function, and trend-driven design.
• High proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly.
• Proactive, team-oriented mindset with an innovative approach to problem-solving.
• Language: Basic working proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required. Mandarin proficiency is a strong advantage.
• A genuine passion for sport, culture, design innovation, and the adidas brand.