Category Manager Running - Go To Market Team

Join adidas Europe and shape the future! For over 75 years, our European heritage has been a fusion of culture and innovation, driving global sports trends.

Our offices, from Herzogenaurach to London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Warsaw, Athens, Milan, Manchester and Paris, are centers of creativity and collaboration. We aim to be Europe's best sports brand, seeking pioneers and visionaries to join our bold journey.

At adidas, you're not just getting a job; you're invited to make a global impact, joining a team that values creativity, courage and innovation.

Are you ready to be part of our journey?

Purpose of the Role:

Purpose is to execute fully localized GTM processes across all seasonal milestones, Assortment Recommendations for local WHS

The Zone GTM teams will work with the European Business Units to drive and steer the respective category from the brand and commercial point of view. They will be the experts for the category in the marketplace, from an adidas perspective, as well as having the complete perspective of the competitive landscape. The GTM teams will have ownership for holistic category plans in close collaboration with Activation and Sales.  

What you'll need:

• Contribute and input to the creation of ZoneGTM plan for the respective category in alignment with line manager.
• Be the Running expert in the specific Zone, with a strong knowledge based on trends, competition, distribution, marketplace, and specially market share (Circana) providing the strongest inputs to EU and Global to improve the range and cover the specific Zone needs.
• Contribute and input to the creation of strategic business plan in alignment with EU BU and Line Manager.
• Assist and input into EU BU on local product ranging and forecasting topics such as quantitative or qualitative data, mark-up, pricing maintenance, segmentation, allocation etc. if needed.
• Maintain regular analytics on the sell-in and sell-through performance of Running category to ensure sustainable growth of the category.
• Monitor and analyse market category trends.
• Ensure operational excellence in the market for all Go To Market relevant topics.
• Give input on country price-grouping and submit requests exception throughout the pricing process if needed.
• Provide operational support for Category sell-in and sell out initiatives.
• Manages sample order process for the Specific Zone in alignment with Line Manager and Marketing Operations guidance.
• Tailor and review local sell-in tools to ensure consistency across EU and drive minimization of customized solutions.

Skills you'll need:

• Consumer-focused with deep product and range understanding across Running Category
• Cross functional marketing knowledge and market experience in Running Category
• Pro- active (engaging & impact-oriented) mindset, ability to think end-to-end
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment with different international cultures
• Excellent communication (both written and verbal) and facilitation skills (small and large groups) especially when interacting with different levels of business
• Outstanding flexibility and discipline to work on a fast-paced calendar
• Ability to travel, domestic or international, as required

Main Requirements: 

• 3-5 years of Merchandising Experience, cross-functional marketing and/or sales experience
• Fluent in English (writing and verbal)
• IT skills: Outlook and Word: Basic; Excel and PowerPoint: advanced

Location

The role will be based in our new Office in Milan!

Life at adidas:

• Annual bonus
• Meal Voucher
• Gym and Sports opportunities
• Free access to self-learning platform
• Employee Assistance Program (personal counselling)
• Hybrid working model