Director, Operations & Seeding (LTD)

Position Overview

This is a limited duration position.

At adidas, culture is a powerful driver of brand relevance, shaping how we connect with communities across sport, fashion, and lifestyle. Culture Marketing sits at the intersection of these worlds, amplifying authentic voices and building meaningful connections through strategic partnerships and storytelling.

As Director, Culture Marketing Operations and Seeding, you will lead the operational strategy and execution of the Culture Marketing function, including global product seeding and internal operations. You will act as the key operational partner to the Vice President of Culture Marketing, ensuring alignment across priorities, processes, and execution.

This role is critical in driving efficiency, structure, and impact across the organization by connecting cross functional teams, managing complex workflows, and enabling the successful delivery of Culture Marketing initiatives globally. Your leadership will directly influence how adidas shows up in culture through product, partnerships, and storytelling.

Key Responsibilities

Global Seeding Strategy and Framework Development: Define and implement the global framework, processes, and prioritization for product seeding across the Culture Marketing partner network to ensure consistency, impact, and alignment with brand priorities.

Cross Functional Seeding Collaboration: Partner with Brand Partnerships, Global Communications, and Global Business Units to align on seasonal plans and ensure seamless execution of product placement strategies.

Seeding Operations Management: Oversee end to end product ordering, tracking, and delivery processes while ensuring accurate execution across global markets and stakeholders.

Handover and Execution Coordination: Establish clear handover processes and recap documentation while collaborating with global market and city teams to ensure consistent execution and accountability.

Operational Leadership and Project Management: Lead the organization and management of key functional priorities, ensuring alignment with business objectives and timely delivery of initiatives.

Planning and Internal Communications: Manage the planning and execution of team milestones, leadership meetings, town halls, and internal communications including newsletters and updates.

Budget and Financial Oversight: Oversee planning, tracking, and management of budgets, marketing spend, contracts, invoicing, and payments related to Culture Marketing initiatives.

Strategic Support and Executive Alignment: Support the Vice President in seasonal and annual strategic planning, including the preparation of presentations, documents, and business reviews.

Research and Insights Development: Conduct research and develop materials to support internal and external stakeholders, translating insights into actionable recommendations.

Team Leadership and Development: Lead and manage the Seeding and Operations teams, ensuring clear direction, strong performance, and continuous development of team members.

Culture and Team Engagement: Develop and manage team building initiatives, off sites, and internal culture events to foster a strong and collaborative team environment.

Stakeholder and Leadership Collaboration: Act as the primary operational point of contact for the Vice President of Culture Marketing while collaborating closely with senior leadership, Head Office, and global market teams.

Required Qualifications

• University degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

• Minimum 7 years of experience in operations, administration, marketing operations, or related roles with a focus on process management, project management, and organizational planning.

• Strong knowledge of the sports industry with a passion for fashion, lifestyle, and streetwear culture.

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex processes and navigate global, matrix organizations.

• Strong organizational, project management, and process optimization skills.

• Proven leadership experience with the ability to manage, develop, and motivate teams.

• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple levels of the organization.

• Strong communication and presentation skills.

• Ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative insights and translate them into actionable strategies.

• Ability to lead change and challenge existing processes to drive continuous improvement.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working within global brand, marketing, or culture focused organizations.

• Exposure to product seeding strategies, brand partnerships, or influencer marketing ecosystems.

• Experience managing cross functional teams and global stakeholders across multiple regions.

Work Environment

Hybrid work model requiring in office attendance Monday through Thursday, with remote flexibility on Fridays based on business needs.

Primary work location is Los Angeles, California.

Working language is English.

This role operates in a fast paced, highly collaborative environment with frequent cross functional engagement and global coordination.

Physical requirements include the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Reporting Structure

Reports directly to the Vice President of Culture Marketing.

This role includes direct management of the Seeding and Operations teams.

Serves as the primary operational point of contact for Culture Marketing leadership and collaborates extensively with Product Marketing, Brand Management, Communications, Sports Marketing, Finance, Legal, and global market teams.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $154,000 to $190,000 annually.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, skills, and demonstrated proficiency in the role.

This position is eligible for an annual performance bonus based on company and individual performance.

adidas offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical coverage with HSA or FSA options, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.

• Adoption, surrogate, and fertility support.

• Short and long term disability coverage.

• Basic life and AD and D insurance with supplemental options available.

• 401(k) plan and Stock Purchase Plan with employer match.

• Education assistance for eligible full time employees.

• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.

• Flexible time off accrued at 0.4388 hours per day, increasing with tenure.

• Twelve paid holidays plus milestone Service Time Off.

• Access to employee wellness programs and product discounts.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at adidas means championing individual uniqueness and cultivating a culture of belonging in which everyone can create at their best. We embrace diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and seek to build a workforce that reflects the consumers and communities we serve.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.