Director Global Continuous Improvement (m/f/d)

In this role you will lead the strategy, governance and deployment of Continuous Improvement across Adidas’ global distribution network to drive lean, standardized practices and sustainable transformation. You will build and coach a global CI community, embedding Kaizen and problem‑solving methods to boost productivity, quality, and operational stability. You’ll partner with Operations, Engineering, Finance and regional SCM to scale best practices and shape the performance ecosystem across DCs. This is a strategic, impact‑driven leadership opportunity at scale.

• Own the Performance Ecosystem framework and toolbox; drive DC maturity assessments
• Coach ops leadership to adopt Performance Ecosystem and ensure sustained adoption
• Influence SCM and distribution leadership to embed Lean culture and improve operator acceptance
• Define annual efficiency targets and site improvement plans with operations and finance
• Drive CI roadmap with market teams for own DCs or 3PL partners
• Establish and nurture cross-regional Lean/CI community
• Develop and deploy CI and operational excellence training programs; build governance for training and coaching
• Own productivity metrics globally and drive continuous comparability
• Identify large pockets of efficiency and redesign processes onsite with ops
• Engage with external experts to explore new ways of embedding operations excellence
• Advise distribution network initiatives to embed Lean in solution design and implementation

• Black Belt or equivalent Lean/Six Sigma certification
• Proven leadership of CI programs at regional/global scale
• Strong knowledge of warehouse operations and performance management
• Experience in transforming operations and driving process redesign
• Ability to synthesize data, think strategically and develop innovative solutions
• Self-directed, able to work under tight deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills across levels
• Willingness to travel domestically or internationally
• Fluent English (verbal and written)
• Strong MS-Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Four-year degree focused on Supply Chain Management
• 6+ years leading remote teams
• 4+ years applying Lean/CI concepts
• DC process experience; ideally 5+ years as DC lead
• Understanding of WMS and labor management systems

• pro-active mindset
• strong communication and facilitation
• strategic thinking
• Lean/Six Sigma (Black Belt)
• Performance management and KPIs
• WMS and labor management systems