Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization
Build a local category strategy and lead the team to execute product merchandising and go-to-market plans to drive brand and business success within the framework set by Global Business Units.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop a 3–5 year category plan based on the overall adidas business unit process in collaboration with the Global Business Unit.
- Support financial expectations in category integrated business planning across all channels.
- Develop category initiatives and business plans aligned with the global vision.
- Act as the interface between the Global Business Unit and market stakeholders.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute plans.
- Own end-to-end market strategy and execution, from integrated business planning and commercial input through in-season trade and exit.
- Lead go-to-market planning across forecasting, pricing, profitability, range size, range flow, range adoption, article performance reviews, systems, catalogues, and master data maintenance.
- Define category ranges by sales channels, stores, or trade zones where necessary.
- Materialize business opportunities through communication with the Global Business Unit, channels, wholesale accounts, and external research partners.
- Manage key franchise lifecycles and inventory levels to ensure brand health.
- Perform category insights and analytics covering market, consumer, competitor, and sales analysis.
- Own local product and allocation demand input to the Global Business Unit.
- Lead Creation Center Tokyo creation from brief through product offer delivery, sell-through, and exit.
- Present ranges internally and externally with sufficient sample availability and participate in customer planning interactions.
- Manage, develop performance, and build a winning culture through the organization’s people values.
- Drive employee engagement and lead by example.
Key Performance Indicators
- Category net sales, net margin, contribution, and sell-out across all channels.
- Forecast and data accuracy, drop rate, net promoter score, and market share.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to implement strategy with strong presentation, communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
- Track record of success and high-level range management knowledge.
- Strong cross-functional and stakeholder management experience across commercial and support functions.
- Strong industry knowledge across footwear, apparel, and accessories.
- Expert understanding of market consumers, accounts, economic environments, and commercial needs.
- Ability to manage, coach, and develop people.
- Results-oriented mindset, strong teamwork, integrity, and attention to detail.
- Strong data analysis skills and ability to translate results into clear business actions.
Requisite Education and Experience
- At least 5 years of experience in range management or product management.
- University degree in Business or equivalent professional experience; an MBA is preferred.
- Sporting goods industry experience required.
- Business-level Japanese and English required.
- Experience working with local customers and international stakeholders.
- Strong business acumen and PC skills, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Passion for sports and belief that through sports we have the power to change lives.
About adidas
adidas fosters an athlete’s mindset through courage, ownership, innovation, teamplay, integrity, and respect. The company emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of its culture and talent processes.