Sr Manager Solution Design-Distribution Centers

at  Adidas

Senior Manager Global Distribution Excellence [LAM]
Area: Supply Chain Management
Department: Global Distribution
Direct Reporting Line: Director Global Distribution Excellence
Indirect/Secondary Reporting Line: n/a
Subsidiary/Country: LAM
Location: Panama (PAN)
GSMS Grade: M3
Personnel Managed: No
Cost Center/Budget and/or Revenue Responsibility: No
Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization:
In your role you will be responsible to co-create the adidas way of operating – develop our global operations standards and ensure adherence through our own and outsourced network in North America. Ultimately you will contribute to a performant distribution network, that drives best in class processes, delivers excellent service to our customers while driving a competitive cost base.
Key Responsibilities
Innovation / Optimization Management

Incubate & accelerate deployment of new technologies – stay ahead of the market trends!

• Identify, develop, plan and drive implementation of new global optimization initiatives incl. incubation, proof of concepts / pilots, vendor selection, roll-outs for Labor Management systems, Staffing solutions, Automation & Robotic technologies
• Engage with our strategic supplier network to discover new technologies, voice our needs, develop joint innovation roadmaps+
• Monitor and Improve existing technologies through conduction of structured investment back-checks with SCM Finance. Initiate with CI A&T related Kaizen events

Knowledge & community management

Strengthen organizations knowledge of new technologies & process standards to maximize value from automation & technologies.

• Develop & maintain knowledge repositories, provide functional trainings on Automation & Technologies and build x-market expert communities
• Support the Director Global Operations Excellence and Director of Global Continuous Improvement in the definition of regional DC excellence roadmaps in sync with adidas Supply Chain Strategy
• Work with DC Managers and the regional Continuous Improvement lead to create and monitor annual DC improvement plans
• Drive the annual demand process for DC Operations Excellence; develop business cases for efficiency initiatives in collaboration with finance, Ops and Engineering

Process excellence

Develop & promote process standardization and best practices to ensure consistency and efficiency across the organization.

• Create toolboxes & standards / best practices from Idea creation to project delivery
• Engage in the co-design of commons operational standards for adidas own and outsourced DCs incl. safety, security, sustainability, business continuity, etc. incl. control mechanisms
• Streamline reporting, communication and enhanced performance management (Dashboards w. relevant KPI´s)

Key Relationships

• Regional SCM Heads
• Regional Continuous Improvement lead
• Local DC Operations Management
• Finance/Controlling
• Regional Project Management team
• Engineering and Tech teams
• 3PL providers
• Procurement
• External consultants (as needed)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good knowledge of warehouse operations
• Strong project management capabilities
• Knowledge of operational performance management, Lean, Continuous Improvement principles
• Ability to lead and influence without formal reporting line
• Pro-active (engaging & impact-oriented) mindset, ability to think end-to-end with a global mindset
• 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
• Strong communication (both written and verbal) and facilitation skills (small and large groups) especially when interacting with different levels of business
• Ability to travel, domestic or international, as required
• Fluent English (verbal and written),
• Strong MS-Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint),

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications

• Four-year college or university degree with focus on Supply Chain Management
• Good experience with Distribution Center processes; ideally worked in a DC environment for minimum 4 years
• Sound understanding of warehouse management (WMS) and labor management systems

Please refer the Job description for details