Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization
adidas is seeking a Government Relations Director to support its 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 collaborates with Government Relations 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 the Foreign Affairs Office, Commerce Commission, Sports Bureau, Culture & Tourism Bureau, and Market Supervision Bureau.
- Develop and lead engagement strategies with key district-level governments in Shanghai, ensuring policy alignment, proactive issue management, and early identification of collaboration opportunities.
- Lead government-supported CSR and social impact programs focused on Shanghai, including public-private partnerships, community-based sports and wellness initiatives, and culturally relevant programs.
- Monitor, analyze, and interpret Shanghai municipal policy developments and translate policy insights into actionable recommendations for business strategy and leadership decision-making.
- Drive cross-functional execution of initiatives requiring government coordination, including retail expansion, brand activations, cultural and sports programs, major city-level events, and pilot projects.
- Serve as the local point of contact for issues requiring government coordination or intervention and represent adidas in authorized engagements with municipal and district authorities.
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.
- Networks in domestic and international sports ecosystems across public and private sectors are a significant asset.
- Demonstrated success in policy advocacy, government approvals, and partnership building with government stakeholders and policy influencers.
- Experience in corporate strategic planning, cross-functional coordination, and managing multiple priorities under pressure.
- Strong program management capability, with experience leading complex, highly cross-functional initiatives.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Mandarin and English.
Culture and Inclusion
adidas fosters a winning culture built on courage, ownership, innovation, teamplay, integrity, and respect. The company is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and aims to create a culture of belonging that reflects the diversity of its consumers and communities.