Senior Director DEI & Talent Headoffice - Temp for 12 months (m/f/d)

Adidas is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and welcoming applications from people of all backgrounds.

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization

This role acts as a strategic integrator and trusted advisor, driving the execution of the Global Talent and DEI strategies while serving as a liaison between HR leadership and the Executive Board. It ensures alignment of Talent and DEI priorities with organizational objectives, orchestrates governance processes, and manages cross-functional initiatives that impact workforce experience, leadership development, and inclusion.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Governance: Drive planning and governance for Global Talent and DEI strategies; lead executive-level interactions; and oversee roadmaps, policies, risk assessments, and resource planning.
• Board & Senior Leadership Liaison: Act as a trusted liaison between HR leadership and the Executive Board, provide consultation on Talent and DEI matters, and support crisis management scenarios.
• Program & Initiative Management: Lead strategic projects including the Women in Leadership strategy and global DEI moments, serve as the point of contact for talent products and projects, and track Talent and DEI KPIs.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with HR centers of excellence, corporate functions, and Corporate Communications to embed inclusive practices and align strategic priorities.
• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team while promoting collaboration, agility, excellence, and high-quality outputs for senior leadership.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Holistic understanding of the adidas organization and business.
• Deep expertise in Talent Management, Leadership Development, and DEI principles.
• Experience influencing senior leaders and Board-level stakeholders.
• Strong project management, governance, communication, analytical, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience leading large-scale global or regional programs across multiple stakeholders and markets.
• Ability to develop strategy, translate it into actionable goals, manage ambiguity, and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong leadership skills and a hands-on approach, including understanding the demands of physical presence at headquarters.

Education & Experience

• University degree in Business, HR, Law, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in HR, Talent, DEI, or strategic program management within a global organization.
• Fluency in English; German preferred.
• High-level stakeholder management experience; Board-level experience is strongly beneficial.

Company Culture

Adidas promotes an athlete's mindset through courage, ownership, innovation, teamplay, integrity, and respect, with a focus on embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into its culture and talent processes.