PURPOSE
Provide leadership and oversight for end‑to‑end inbound product flow visibility and prioritization across the European (EU) supply chain network with a particular focus on Origin or Destination (we currently have two open roles in the team). This role ensures that inbound fulfilment and network planning operate in alignment with business objectives, enabling the organization to deliver products on‑time and in‑full (OTIF) according to customer expectations.
The Senior Manager, Inbound Planning is responsible for optimizing the balance of cost, capacity and product availability, driving cross‑functional alignment and supporting the development and execution of strategies that enhance resilience, efficiency and scalability across the supply chain.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead day‑to‑day inbound planning for end‑to‑end visibility and prioritization, ensuring alignment with capacity, deployment strategies and direct ship requirements
- Own the rolling inbound forecast and prioritization logic (containers/POs) to balance cost, capacity and product availability; coordinate with Global Logistics, Inbound Transport, Order Fulfillment & Deployment, DC Operations and Product Supply
- Analyze performance vs. plan; drive root‑cause analysis, mitigation actions and continuous improvement with cross‑functional partners and 3PLs
- Ensure strong data governance and system accuracy (lead times, MDDs, ASNs, mode defaults/segmentation, etc.); standardize processes and maintain planning parameters across systems
- For Origin, improve flow efficiency by providing container consolidation inputs and expanding direct ship opportunities to speed time‑to‑market and reduce network touchpoints
- For Destination, drive ASN performance and issue resolution: serve as the escalation point, ensure discrepancies are resolved within SLA, and lead upstream fixes with suppliers, forwarders and logistics partners
- Deliver plan vs. actuals performance reporting and translate insights into clear actions; communicate status/risks in S&OE and other cross-functional forums
- Coordinate risk assessment and scenario execution (e.g., capacity shortfalls, port congestion, etc.), applying agreed playbooks and MDD usage to protect service
- Continuously improve tools, analytics and operating rhythms to enhance Inbound Planning visibility, decision making and accountability
- Build and develop a high‑performing team; provide coaching, clear ownership and a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
- EU Inbound Transport
- EU Order Fulfillment & Deployment
- EU DC Operations
- EU SCM Finance
- EU Supply Chain Development
- Global Logistics
- Global Product Supply
- Advanced Analytics
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Hard Skills
- Strong knowledge of end‑to‑end supply chain operations, inbound logistics and distribution center workflows
- Solid understanding of forecasting, capacity planning and the cost and service impacts of inbound decisions
- Ability to navigate basic regulatory, trade compliance and network constraints within operational planning
- Ability to translate broader supply chain and business priorities into actionable inbound planning activities
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a data‑driven approach to decision‑making
- Competent in scenario planning and risk assessment to proactively address inbound flow disruptions
Soft Skills
- Proven ability to lead, coach and develop a high‑performing team within a fast‑paced environment
- Strong prioritization, delegation and organizational planning capabilities
- Effective at driving cross‑functional alignment and collaborating to resolve operational challenges
- Clear and concise communicator with the ability to simplify complex information for diverse audiences
- Comfortable guiding teams through change and supporting adoption of new processes, systems and tools
- Skilled at leading meetings, presenting insights and gaining alignment with partners across functions
REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- College or university degree in Supply Chain Management or related field
- Minimum 5-8 years of experience in Supply Chain or Logistics roles
- Minimum 3 years of people management experience
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
- Fluent in English (oral and written)
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.