Manager, Product Area - Digital Process Management & Solutions
Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization:
At Global Logistics, we oversee the transportation of goods from their country of origin to market distribution centres, utilizing a global network of logistics partners and service providers tailored to various product, market, and customer needs.
The Digital Process Management & Solutions team drives process excellence, manages the inbound logistics value stream and systems, simplifies operational processes, and translates strategic direction into actionable plans and balanced product strategy.
- Managing product ownership for all digital products.
- Overseeing business process ownership operationally.
- Providing change management and support for related processes and systems.
As a Manager of Product area with ownership of Inbound Logistics & Transportation products, you focus on the day-to-day management of product development activities for a specific product or set of products by developing and enhancing capabilities for transporting finished goods from the factory to the destination (DC, Customer) cost-effectively, supporting OTA performance.
You partner with Business, IT, and work with agile teams to continuously improve the product to maximize value for internal customers, defining a robust product backlog, capability expansions needed, and leading the team in developing new functionalities, adopting best practices, driving user engagement, and ensuring future readiness.
Key Responsibilities:
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Product Backlog:
- Prioritize and manage the product backlog to ensure alignment with business goals and customer needs.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements and refine backlog items.
- Ensure the backlog is transparent, visible, and understood by all team members.
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Functional Specification:
- Develop and maintain detailed functional specifications to guide product development.
- Partner with tech and design teams to translate business requirements into technical specifications.
- Ensure specifications are comprehensive, clear, and aligned with overall product strategy.
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Data Specification:
- Establish and manage data specifications to ensure data integrity and consistency across systems.
- Define data models, schemas, and standards for data management.
- Collaborate with data engineering teams to implement and maintain data specifications.
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System Testing (SIT, UAT):
- Lead system integration testing (SIT) efforts to ensure product quality and performance.
- Develop and execute test plans, test cases, and test scripts.
- Identify and resolve issues discovered during testing, ensuring a smooth product release.
- Support user acceptance testing (UAT) by preparing test scripts and assisting with issue resolutions.
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Continuous Improvement for System Capability:
- Continuously assess and identify opportunities to enhance system capabilities and performance.
- Conduct regular reviews of system functionality and performance metrics.
- Implement improvements based on feedback from users and stakeholders.
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Process Automation:
- Lead initiatives to automate processes, improving efficiency and reducing manual efforts.
- Identify areas for automation and develop strategies to implement automated solutions.
- Collaborate with IT and operations teams to integrate automation into existing workflows.
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System Innovation:
- Foster a culture of innovation, driving the development of cutting-edge solutions.
- Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies.
- Encourage creative thinking and experimentation within the team.
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Functional Application Management:
- Oversee the management of primary data and provide application support to ensure seamless operations.
- Ensure applications are functioning optimally and meet business requirements.
- Provide guidance and support to users, addressing any issues or concerns.
Key Relationships:
- GSCM/POPS business functions
- Market SCM, SCD, and adjacent teams (POPS, Finance, Wholesale/Retail/E-Com)
- GSCM/POPS Strategy & Programs
- Global IT (incl. Digital Suite Hub)
- PMO of strategic programs (T4RM, FPS)
- External consultants (as needed) and logistics service providers
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong analytical skills
- Expert domain knowledge
- Basic leadership skills (a plus)
- Basic experience with enterprise platforms and technologies
- Basic understanding of IT products and capabilities
- Good communication and facilitation skills across business levels
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally
- Fluent in English (verbal and written)
- Excellent presentation skills
Requisite Education and Qualifications:
- University degree in business administration or related field, or equivalent experience
- 5+ years in Supply Chain/IT
- Product Owner experience in at least one area or domain
- Market experience preferred
- Experience with stakeholders at various levels
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.