Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization

Adidas is seeking a Government Relations Director to support our expanding Government Relations team in GCA. The role is responsible for day‑to‑day government engagement, policy monitoring, and driving government‑related initiatives across Shanghai, Jiangsu and other key provinces. This position requires strong experience in government operations, industry and cultural insight, and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. The role will collaborate closely with GR leadership and cross‑functional partners including Communications, Sports Marketing, Brand Marketing, Legal, Business teams, and global counterparts.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive and deepen adidas’ strategic working relationships with Shanghai municipal authorities, including but not limited to the Foreign Affairs Office, Commerce Commission, Sports Bureau, Culture & Tourism Bureau, and Market Supervision Bureau, positioning adidas as a long‑term, trusted corporate partner to the city.
• Develop and lead engagement strategies with key district‑level governments in Shanghai (e.g., Xuhui, Huangpu, Jing’an), ensuring sustained policy alignment, proactive issue management, and early identification of collaboration opportunities.
• Lead the design and delivery of government‑supported CSR and social impact programs with Shanghai focused, including public‑private partnerships, community‑based sports and wellness initiatives, and culturally relevant programs that enhance adidas’ positive societal footprint and corporate profile.
• Monitor, analyze, and interpret Shanghai municipal policy developments across areas such as consumption stimulus, business environment reforms, sports and health promotion, cultural initiatives, retail and commercial regulation; translate policy insights into actionable recommendations that inform business strategy and leadership decision‑making.
• Drive cross‑functional alignment and execution of initiatives requiring close government coordination, including retail expansion, brand activations, cultural and sports programs, major city‑level events, and pilot projects; ensure seamless internal collaboration across commercial, brand, legal, compliance, and operations teams.
• Serve as the local point of contact and first responder for issues requiring government coordination or intervention; represent adidas in authorized engagements with municipal and district authorities, managing risks while safeguarding long‑term government trust and brand integrity.

Key Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or related fields, with a strong track record of engagement in China.
• Deep understanding of China’s political and regulatory landscape, with established networks across relevant government agencies. Strong networks in domestic and international sports ecosystems across both public and private sectors are considered a significant asset.
• Demonstrated success in policy advocacy, government approvals, and partnership building with government stakeholders and policy influencers.
• Solid experience in corporate strategic planning, cross‑functional coordination, and managing multiple priorities under pressure.
• Strong program management capability, with experience leading complex and highly cross‑functional initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Mandarin and English.