Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization:

The Director of Tianjin DC provides end-to-end operational leadership for the site, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations that meet service level agreements to enable business growth. This role translates the China DC network strategy into effective site-level execution, driving productivity, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement while fostering a high-performance culture.

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Strategic Leadership

• Translate China DC network strategy and broader business growth ambition into a clear, executable Tianjin DC operational strategy.
• Serve as a critical operational sound board to the VP China DC and other network stakeholders to influence network decisions with deep understanding of local operational realities, constraints, opportunities, and workforce dynamics.
• Act as the local subject matter expert on Tianjin DC capacity, throughput potential, space utilization, labor scalability, automation readiness, and operational risks. Provide data‑driven insights to inform network planning, service model design (Wholesale, Retail, E‑commerce, Returns), and investment prioritization.
• Provide early warning signals, scenario assessments, and operational recommendations during network‑level discussions (capacity shifts, peak‑season planning, flow changes, inventory strategy) to enable informed decision‑making

2. Operational Excellence & Performance Management

• Establish, monitor, and drive accountability for all Tianjin DC performance KPIs across service, productivity, quality, and cost etc. Ensure the site consistently delivers reliable, high‑performance execution to meet business and customer expectations.
• Champion a performance-oriented culture by instilling operational discipline, continuous improvement principles (Lean, problem solving, waste reduction), and strong frontline leadership routines to enhance efficiency, stability, and long-term site readiness.

3. People Leadership & Workforce Management

• Build, lead, and mentor a high‑caliber operations team. Foster a high‑performance culture centered on safety, accountability, operational discipline, and continuous professional growth. Execute the China DC talent strategy to build future capabilities and ensure strong succession depth across key operational roles.
• Oversee labor planning, shift planning, and productivity management to ensure the right workforce capacity is in place to meet fluctuating operational demands across peak and off‑peak periods. Drive effective deployment of in‑house and outsourced labor to achieve cost, service, and quality targets.

4. Technology, System & Automation Execution

• Ensure effective daily use of technology, and other systems critical to DC operations.
• Support implementation and optimization of technology in Tianjin DC which is defined at the network level.
• Partner with IT/Engineering for issue resolution and system optimization.

5. Risk Management, Compliance & Safety

• Serve as the main local contact window and be accountable for any potential operational risk, regulatory compliance (customs, labor, environment), and the Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) program. Ensure 100% adherence to legal and corporate standards across the network.

6. Stakeholder Management

• Drive alignment with the VP China DC on operational priorities, performance expectations, and key initiatives. Ensure the Tianjin DC executes in full accordance with network direction and business needs.
• Collaborate closely with SCM internal teams and Commercial teams to ensure seamless day‑to‑day integration between DC operations and upstream/downstream processes. Enable optimized end‑to‑end flow through proactive communication, operational insights, and performance transparency.
• Partner effectively with key enabling functions (Finance, HR, Workplace, IT, NTP, Compliance, and others) to ensure Tianjin DC operations adhere to adidas standards, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain constructive relationships with Tianjin local government and external affairs stakeholders to protect the site’s license‑to‑operate.

7. Site Capital Project Execution

• Lead the operational execution of major projects, including new retrofits, capacity expansions, layout changes, system enhancements. Manage the operational readiness, ramp-up, and handover from project teams to ensure on-time, on-budget, and on-performance go-live.

8. Vendor & 3PL Management

• Strategically manage relationships with key vendors, contractors, and any third-party logistics (3PL) partners. Negotiate operational SLAs, manage daily performance, and drive continuous improvement to ensure external partners are seamless extensions of the operation.

9. Sustainability & ESG Execution

• Promote and execute the sustainability agenda for DCs in China at local site. Implement specific initiatives to reduce energy consumption, waste, and carbon footprint in alignment with corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.

Key Relationships: 

• GCA SCM Functions
• GCA Commercial Teams
• Global SCM Functions i.e. Global Distributions
• Enabling Function (Finance, NTP, HR, Workplace, IT, Legal, Internal Control, etc)
• External Vendors (3PLs, Labor Vendors, etc)
• Government and External Affairs

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

The job holder should demonstrate excellence of below core skills:

Operational & Technical Expertise

• Deep knowledge of warehouse/distribution operations
• Strong command of KPIs, productivity management, and inventory accuracy
• Hands-on experience with WMS, automation, warehouse equipment, digital tools
• Lean / continuous improvement mindset

Leadership & People Management

• Proven ability to lead large frontline and office teams
• Strong coaching, communication, and conflict‑resolution capability
• Ability to drive accountability and operational discipline

Compliance & Risk Management

• Strong understanding of China labor laws, safety regulations, and logistics compliance
• Experience leading safety programs and implementing corrective actions

Business & Financial Acumen

• Understanding of cost structures, budgeting, workforce planning, and productivity levers
• Ability to balance cost, service, quality, and operational capacity

Language & Cultural Skills

• Fluency in Mandarin required
• Working English ability required
• Experience managing a large local workforce in China

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications: 

Requisite Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Manufacturing, Engineering, or a related technical field is required.
• A minimum of 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in distribution center, warehouse, or large-scale logistics operations, with at least 5+ years in a leadership role managing teams of significant scale (including outsourced labor).
• Proven direct accountability for a significant operational budget and a track record of delivering against financial targets (cost, productivity, service).
• Proven track record of running a high‑volume DC with strict service, cost, and safety requirements.
• Fluency in Mandarin Chinese and English is required, both written and verbal, for executive communication and negotiation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a relevant sector (e.g., Sports/Fashion Brand, FMCG, retail/e-commerce, automotive, high-tech/electronics, or third-party logistics.
• Hands-on experience with the selection and implementation of major Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), automation projects, and data analytics platforms.
• Experience of reporting into a highly matrix organization mix with global and regional stakeholders or operating within a complex international corporate matrix structure.
• Certifications such as Six Sigma Black Belt/Master Black Belt, CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional), or similar.
• Proven experience successfully leading operations through significant supply chain disruptions or market volatility.