adidas is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people of all ages, genders (incl. gender identity), ethnic and social backgrounds, nationalities, sexual orientations, religions and beliefs, and those with apparent or non-apparent disabilities*. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees.*We actively encourage individuals with disabilities to apply and will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.
PURPOSE
- This role plays an instrumental part in the way that the brand is portrayed within the global football market and ensures on a day to day basis that we continue to raise the awareness and image of adidas as the No. 1 Global football brand.
- Servicing criteria for players is extremely demanding. This position relies heavily on interpersonal skills and relationship building to achieve higher levels of partner collaboration.
- Absolute consistency in the approach to servicing and gaining full value from player associations is critical and teamwork is essential to drive standards upwards.
- The women’s football landscape is becoming increasingly more competitive in all areas, therefore it is key adidas are presented, well prepared and in winning positions to identify, recruit and sign players to the brand, despite the competition.
- adidas has always been associated with the best symbols and provides the best service. The brand of choice by professionals.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- To detect, identify and sign young upcoming talents, future icons of adidas, with responsibility for female talents across Central Europe (DACH)
- To become a key contact in the world of women’s football with focus on providing excellence of servicing and product supply.
- To provide an integrated approach to securing the best young (female) football talents from young age and establish adidas as the desirable brand for female players and professionals alike.
- To create a network in the world of women’s football among players, coaches, agents, clubs etc.
- To work within the adidas Football Player Management team and contribute to the global football strategy by bringing local expertise and information.
- To utilise industry knowledge to provide feedback to the brand at all times: player info, competitor activity, product feedback.
- Proactively optimise service levels through collaboration with Sports Marketing Specialist team to ensure timely and accurate product seeding.
- Liaise with Player Management and other internal colleagues to align footwear orders (Launch, Back to Club, National Team, major events) and to select off-pitch products and align orders
- Attending to the needs of our contracted symbols by checking availability and processing product requests through credit cards, SAP and/or arranging store visits.
- Support the North Europe Player Management team in the process of forecasting, tracking and facilitating the product supply
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- The individual must be highly motivated and focused on task in hand. They must be extremely well organised with an empathy towards the sport.
- Football background, e.g. as a player at high level and/or coaching
- Football fanatic and specific football knowledge of the women’s game/landscape
- Schedule flexibility: Position requires substantial travel (60% to 70%) for meetings with players, families, agents, clubs and attendance at matches.
- Fluent in English and German
- Proficiency in one or more other European languages preferred.
- Proficiency with computers and standard software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel)
QUALIFICATIONS
- Football sport knowledge, football market and industry awareness.
- Good network and reputation in the world of football.
- Understanding of the issues facing players (e.g. financial, media, relocation, languages, etc.) and the ability to help adidas develop programmes to assist players with these issues.
- Good interpersonal skills, good communication-verbal and written skills, good negotiation skills.
- Commercial awareness, knowledge of the sporting goods business model.
- Good planning & organisation.
- Product knowledge.
- University degree and some specific education in Sports Management would be ideal.
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.