Executive Support Manager

Purpose & Overall Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to provide comprehensive and strategic support to the Managing Director of Emerging Markets.

This role sits at the center of a vibrant, fast-paced, and multicultural region. You will anticipate needs, manage sensitive information with discretion, and represent the Managing Director with professionalism and integrity. Acting as a trusted partner, you will enable the MD to focus on strategic priorities while ensuring that every interaction and engagement reflects the excellence and values of adidas Emerging Markets.

Key Responsibilities:

 Calendar & MD Priorities Management 

• Full ownership of the MD’s calendar across local, regional and Global engagements
• Anticipate and manage priorities, schedule changes, and meeting preparations with efficiency and discretion 
• Develop, Manage and Execute MD focused initiatives aligned with the Emerging Markets Calendar priorities
• Facilitate MD offsites, meetings and travel, with duties including advance agenda prep, arranging complex travel logistics and relevant travel information and communication of expectations to respective stakeholders
• Optimize time management of MD with complex time zones

Travel & Logistics (T&E) 

• Plan and manage complex, multi-destination travel arrangements (flights, hotels, visas, transportation)
• Coordinate itineraries and logistics for internal visitors and ensure seamless execution
• Track travel budgets, negotiate with vendors, and ensure cost-effectiveness
• Comprehensive understanding of Travel Policy and Expenses
• Promote sustainable and responsible travel practices across all Emerging Markets
• Strong partnership with Global Travel Management and Risk teams as well as dedicated Travel Agency

Administrative & Confidential Support 

• Handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion and professionalism
• Draft, edit, and review correspondence, presentations, and internal/external communications on behalf of MD
• Maintain and update MDs databases, reports, and documentation with accuracy
• Provide PA support to MD ensuring seamless coordination between professional and personal commitments

Stakeholder & Office Coordination 

• Serve as the central liaison between the MD and all functional, market and Global leaders 
• Coordinate external meetings and follow-ups with key partners and stakeholders 
• Support alignment across leadership teams, ensuring calendar and meeting schedules reflect strategic business priorities and anticipated needs
• Lead and manage cross-functional projects and initiatives on behalf of the Executive Office, supporting planning, execution, and delivery across Emerging Markets
• Facilitate efficient decision-making, driving organizational alignment, and overseeing projects and initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with department heads and the EM Executive Assistant community to ensure efficiency, consistency, and alignment across all projects, market visits and meeting arrangements
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, fostering collaboration and alignment across diverse teams
• Skilled at influencing and engaging stakeholders across multiple functions and regions, both internal and external

VIP Visits & Event Management 

• Coordinate high-level visits and internal events, managing agendas, logistics, and participant experience
• Liaise with venues, suppliers, and partners to ensure smooth execution of events.
• Work closely with NTP, legal and events management team for compliance delivery on all events
• Project lead and manage end to end operations for MD offsites and conferences

Expense Management 

• Manage Concur claims and related expense processes with accuracy and timeliness 
• Comprehensive understanding and execution of T&E Policy

Anticipation & Agility 

• Anticipate needs, flag issues early, and bring solutions before problems arise 
• Maintain composure and professionalism under pressure, acting as a stabilizing and reliable partner

Managerial responsibilities

• Support performance evaluation processes by coordinating SLT feedback and development planning for Executive Assistant Hub team (e.g., 90-day plans, MYBEST PS)
• Provide guidance and mentorship to EA team, fostering collaboration, growth and creating path of succession
• Coordinate and manage the Emerging Markets Executive Assistant community to promote best practices, knowledge sharing, effective communication and process improvements
• Facilitate clear and consistent communication within the EA Community across all markets

Key Relationships:

• Managing Director Emerging Markets
• Emerging Markets Senior Leadership HUB Team (HR, BD, Finance, Comms, Brand, Supply Chain, Retail)
• Emerging Markets General Managers
• Emerging Markets Executive Assistants Community
• Global Board assistants and other Global BU EAs
• External client stakeholders
• Vendor managements and relations

Profile, Skills and Abilities:

• Proven experience supporting C-level or senior executives in a multinational, fast paced and dynamic environment
• Strong leadership and project management skills
• Exceptional organizational ability and attention to detail, with the capacity to manage multiple complex priorities simultaneously
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills, with a collaborative and culturally aware mindset
• Proven ability to build trust and alignment across diverse teams and regions
• High degree of discretion, professionalism, and integrity in handling confidential information
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, demonstrating a proactive “can-do” attitude.
• Skilled in stakeholder coordination, networking, and relationship management
• Proven ability to streamline administrative processes and drive operational efficiency
• Technically proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Teams), Concur, and SuccessFactors.
• Emotionally intelligent and a strong team spirit
• Previous experience working across complex time zones or within the travel industry is a plus
• Fluent in English; additional languages are an advantage.

Qualifications:

• 5 years+ experience supporting C-level or senior leadership
• Bachelor’s degree minimum
• Experience working in Emerging Markets Countries is a plus.