Manager Continuous Improvement

Purpose & Overall Relevance For The Organization
Continuous Improvement will drive process optimization across SCM Product Supply and all global processes. This role will support the development and execution of the Continuous Improvement strategy, including the prioritization of initiatives based on their impact on business value, customer experience, efficiency, and overall performance.

The individual in this role will lead end-to-end process and organizational enhancements, focusing on simplifying our ways of working through standardization, digitalization, and transformation, while also bringing fresh, innovative thinking to create new solutions for our Product Supply community.

We are seeking an innovative, hands-on, and strategic thinker who is motivated to make a meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities

Analyze, develop, and refine existing end-to-end processes, services, standards, and operational plans, delivering outcomes with direct business impact.
Design, develop, and implement process standardization, harmonization, and automation.
Manage on-demand and strategic process improvement initiatives.
Identify improvement opportunities, issues, and the feasibility of process changes with stakeholders through variance analysis and effective use of data; create transparency on priorities, develop solutions, and facilitate fact-based recommendations that lead to continuous improvements.
Lead medium- to large-scale projects, applying strong process and technical expertise within the boundaries of time, cost, and quality; focus on customer expectations, implement solutions, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Utilize and recommend project control tools to plan, schedule, and track project progress.
Support internal controls processes and provide advice on improvement areas.
Take responsibility for understanding stakeholder requirements, gathering data, performing analysis, resolving issues, and recommending options.
Enable change management by designing and delivering prototype tools and collaborating with other functions and streams to drive operationalization.
Co-lead with business process stakeholders the analysis of master data processes, proposing improvements and facilitating successful implementation.
Develop and deliver effective communication packages to present findings, recommendations, and proposed solutions.
Support the creation of frameworks for all workstreams using CI methodology and promote agile, efficient ways of working.
Drive a continuous improvement mindset as part of the Adidas culture.
Support the development of a continuous improvement training program.
Enable best-practice sharing across workstreams.

Key Relationships

Product Supply SVP's + Senior Directors & Directors
Operational Supply Chain Management teams in Hubs
SCM Strategy & Transformation
Support Functions, i.e., IT
SCM Strategy & Programs
External contacts/ corporates for knowledge sharing and trends

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in end-to-end process improvement and/or process standardization within Supply Chain Management.
Experience in process design, process mapping, process quality enhancement, process reviews, and compliance.
Extensive experience with Continuous Improvement methodologies (theoretical and practical), such as LEAN, DFSS, and DMAIC; SPSS modeling is preferred.
Experience in digital transformation, including Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Deep and broad knowledge of SAP FI/CO.
Strong ability to apply continuous process improvement concepts and tools.
High degree of customer orientation.
Fluent in English, both verbal and written.
Excellent communication skills and an international mindset.
Ability to think strategically, synthesize complex situations, and develop innovative solutions in a dynamic environment.
Cross-functional mindset.
Familiarity with project management, strong planning and organizational skills, and the ability to work and deliver in evolving environments with limited guidance while meeting deadlines.
Ability to work independently.
Understanding of modeling purpose and benefits as a subject matter expert, contributing to the effective use of knowledge bases.
Ability to coach, guide, and manage teams in a trust-based and proficient manner.
Ability to provide a clear performance framework for teams.
Strong results orientation and proactiveness.
Ability to identify the relevant stakeholders for the area of work and manage these relationships to meet business needs and align expectations.

Requisite Education And Experience / Minimum Qualifications

Degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, IT, or related fields, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Understanding of SCM processes, especially the ones focused on Product Supply and its interface areas.
Experience with Continuous Improvement tools (both theoretical and practical).
Project management experience.
Six Sigma Black Belt certification is a plus.

adidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an equal opportunity employer.