PURPOSE & OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANIZATION
 

Global Solutions Engineering is the key to successful and efficient distribution centers in the adidas-Group. The Global Solutions Engineering team drives best practices in distribution center layout and design, automation and DC processes, and optimization initiatives. They own our approach to standardize DC’s world-wide, drive introduction of new technologies and facilitate development of the global and regional Engineering organization. In addition, they define and drive execution of global DC engineering strategy for adidas.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
 

• Develops strategies for DC design standardization, both from a process and automation perspective where applicable
• Collaborates with Global Non-Trade Procurement to define global and regional supplier strategies
• Facilitate introduction of new distribution center technologies in cooperation with regional engineering teams
• Benchmark adidas DC designs against other companies to ensure ‘best in class’ adoption 
• Review and validate major business cases for large-scale projects across all regions
• Reviews and signs off on new technical solutions for both internal and 3PL designs
• Defines global DC consulting and MHE vendor framework agreements and contracts
   

People Management

• Build the appropriate structure to be able to manage the respective organization effectively, identify and develop the future talents and create realistic succession scenarios for key position.
• Ensure appropriate leadership skills are present at every level by creating a motivational and supportive work environment in which employees are coached, trained and provided with career opportunities through development
• Allocate the different work streams to the respective teams and employees considering experience, project complexity, workload and organizational efficiency
• Continuously monitor and evaluate team workload and organizational efficiency with the support of IT systems, data and analysis and team feedback and make appropriate changes in order to meet business needs
• Provide team members/direct reports with clear direction, development and targets that are aligned with business needs and GIT objectives

KEY RELATIONSHIPS
 

Internal

• Global Engineering team
• Distribution Center management
• Regional Supply Chain Management
• Strategy Management
• Performance Management
• Project Management
• IT (WMS/WCS) functions
• Selected other functions across the Group based on projects (Global Real Estate, Corporate Communication team, Project Steering Boards, sponsors)

External

• Outside vendors 
• Consultants as appropriate
  
   

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
 

• Proven experience in DC design, including all aspects of Facility, layout, Automation and process design
• Ability to take business forecasts and translate into a facility design using CAD tools such as AutoCAD
• Adept at MHE specification including power equipment, conveyor systems, rack systems, sortation systems and various picking methodologies
• Relevant experience in complex business analytics in a distribution environment
• Formal training and application of Six Sigma, Lean and other process improvement methodologies preferred
• Solid background in work measurement programs such as Labor Management and Engineering Labor Standards desired
• Ability to present to middle and senior management to drive decision making
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and quantitative abilities
• Strong project management, planning and organization skills and ability to work and deliver in changing environments while adhering to specified deadlines and budgets
• Strong technical knowledge (of tools) as it relates to DC automation (e.g. ASRS, mini load, goods to man, sortation) and Warehouse Control Systems, as well as Manual DC concepts
• Excellent skills in creating complex presentations using Excel, PowerPoint and MS Project.  Full understanding of warehouse management systems (WMS)
• Distribution, Logistics and overall supply chain understanding of processes and systems
• Contributes significantly to the achievement of department and/or project targets
• Mediate and bring cross-functional stakeholders with different objectives to agree on a consensus
• Excellent knowledge in engineering, combined with a broad knowledge of other areas in distribution
• Ability to plan, budget and manage project execution
• Experienced in leading international, cross-functional project teams
• Team management leadership experience
  
   

REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
 

• Master’s degree and/or related work history in Engineering or business administration with focus on supply chain management with focus on distribution and/or industrial engineering preferred
• 12+ years of relevant distribution experience
• 7+ years management experience (of experts) required
• Experience in consumer goods or retail warehousing preferred
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally frequently
• Excellent English language proficiency; multi-lingual abilities in local languages preferred