Senior Director Gl. & Exec. Compensation (m/f/d)

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization: Lead Compensation and Variable Pay (STI and LTI) Program Design and oversee Governance inclusive of Executive Compensation for adidas globally. Actively consult with and advise the SVP HR Rewards on these matters. Design and deliver proposals to the adidas Board and the HR Senior Leadership Team together with SVP HR Rewards.

Own the overarching Compensation Strategy and lead projects and initiatives covering key areas of Compensation and specific Variable Pay programs. Define a robust Compensation governance framework, in close collaboration with HR Rewards Program Delivery, and work with Senior Leaders to role-model its principles. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for Compensation. Oversee adidas equity incentive plan design and future equity plan development.

Key Responsibilities

Program Design

• Identify opportunities and drive change to Compensation Products and Programs based on thorough research and analysis and in alignment with adidas business, Talent, HR, and Rewards priorities.
• Provide guidance on the Compensation Philosophy and support decision-making by providing compensation alternatives or recommendations in complex cases and unique requirements.
• Coordinate material for the adidas Board, including competitive data and plan design implications.
• Prepare and deliver proposals to the adidas Board and HR and Business Senior Leadership.
• Design, achieve buy-in for, and implement compensation products and policies that support the strategic direction of the company and foster employee attraction, engagement, and retention.
• Oversee the design and delivery of communications material related to global Executive Compensation programs.
• Ensure cost and tax efficiency of Executive Compensation programs in partnership with Group Finance, Group Tax, and Legal. Co-define budgeting and accrual principles.

Governance

• Create and deliver an innovative and sustainable Global Compensation approach based on the Rewards Strategy and Philosophy.
• Anticipate future trends and implications for Rewards programs.
• Evaluate compensation and incentive programs to ensure alignment with strategy.
• Design and manage Executive Compensation reporting for the adidas Board and HR Senior Leadership Team.
• Set the cadence of regular Compensation policy reviews and self-audits.
• Ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements and oversee tracking and reporting.
• Create and operationally deliver governance principles covering executive grading.
• Create and oversee governance principles covering executive severance.
• Monitor the effectiveness and ongoing development of adidas equity incentive programs in alignment with business strategy.

Operational

• Advise on operational Executive Compensation activities, including grading, benchmarking, compensation packages, and transparency for global functions.
• Participate in Incentive Target Setting with Finance and Strategy and prepare necessary analysis.
• Oversee communications material related to global Compensation programs.
• Lead compensation processes for Executives, including benchmarking and separate decision processes for certain positions.
• Consult and advise Executives as appropriate.
• Create and review executive compensation packages and severance arrangements.

Management

• Work with the SVP HR Rewards and the Rewards Senior Leadership Team to ensure alignment and market application of products and programs.
• Develop strategic partnerships with Finance, HR, and Legal.
• Manage relationships and contractual relationships with relevant external vendors.
• Participate in, moderate, and represent adidas in external networks.

Key Relationships

HR Senior Leadership Team; Rewards Partners; HR Rewards Market Leads and Rewards Functions in Markets; HR Rewards Activation Lead; Global Business Services (GBS); HR Strategy Office; HR Talent; Group Accounting and Controlling; Group Legal; Group Taxes; Corporate Communications; external consultants and project teams.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong ability to collaborate and bring people together.
• Confidence and negotiation skills with high-level stakeholders.
• Ambition to challenge the status quo and bring fresh perspectives.
• Demonstrated multicultural skills and global mindset.
• Strong analytical and think-through skills to turn ideas into actionable programs.
• Knowledge of and experience with financial valuation and simulation.
• Appetite to learn about developments and trends.
• International and risk-taking mindset.
• Strong communication skills and excellent command of English.
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office applications.

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications

• University degree or adequate education with emphasis on business or Total Rewards.
• Proven executive management influencing skills.
• 10+ years of overall work experience within HR, Compensation & Benefits.
• At least two years of direct exposure to Executive Compensation.
• 8+ years of leadership experience with direct or indirect teams.
• Experience working in an international matrix organization.
• High affinity to and experience with business computing solutions.

Culture and Inclusion

At adidas, employees are encouraged to demonstrate courage, ownership, innovation, teamplay, integrity, and respect. adidas believes that embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into its culture and talent processes creates belonging and a competitive advantage.