Senior Manager - Legal Counsel - Temp until 31.12.2026 (m/f/d)

Adidas is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people of all ages, genders (incl. gender identity), ethnic and social backgrounds, nationalities, sexual orientations, religions and beliefs, and those with apparent or non-apparent disabilities*. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees.*We actively encourage individuals with disabilities to apply and will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization:

As Senior Manager - Legal Counsel on the Legal Innovation & Creation team, you will help shape the future of adidas products, from the first spark to the final design. Your purpose, positioned at the intersection of Innovation, Creative Direction, and Product Development & Sourcing, is to defend and empower bold ideas, ensuring that every development genuinely provides ONLY THE BEST FOR THE ATHLETE while protecting the brand's most important assets.

As a strategic business partner for Product Development & Sourcing, Innovation, Creative Direction, and our global Business Units, you will deliver practical, forward-thinking legal guidance that promotes speed, clarity, and confidence. Whether it's arranging complex creative collaborations, creating the conditions for obtaining IP rights, or managing product risk, you'll assist teams in moving from concept to reality—smarter and stronger.

Aligned with adidas' mission TO BE THE BEST SPORTS BRAND IN THE WORLD, this position is ideal for a legal mind with an entrepreneurial spirit, a collaborative attitude, and a passion for bridging the gap between law, business, and sports.

Key responsibilities:

• Managing the day-to-day legal needs by providing legal services with a predominant focus on US-related projects, teams and legal matters for, inter alia, Innovation (PDX), Product Development & Sourcing, Creative Direction (HZO & LA), BU’s, including counselling, contract drafting, review and negotiation, legal risk assessment, and dispute avoidance & resolution to protect interests of adidas.
• Managing & facilitating projects – within Global Brands, Global Sales and Global Operations and other functions within GL&C.
• Help negotiate resolution of legal and business disputes for client groups.
• Providing effective and appropriate supervision and management of delivery of legal services through outside counsel.
• Assist in developing and conducting educational programs and materials as appropriate in relevant legal areas.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance related matters are appropriately handled including all aspects of communication, education and facilitation of the Fair Play framework.

Key relationships:

• Reports to the Senior Director Legal Counsel – Global Legal Innovation & Creation
• Interacts internally with all levels of organization.
• Key internal clients include Global Brands (including Innovation, Brand Strategy, BU’s), Global Operations (Product Development & Sourcing, Sustainability & ESG), IT Innovation, and Finance teams.
• Interacts and works with other Global Legal & Compliance department members.
• Interacts externally with outside counsel, suppliers and collaboration partners, government authorities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strategic thinker with confidence and speed in execution.
• Strong background in contract and IP law, drafting, negotiation and business counselling (min 5 years).
• A strong sense and experience of legal business management and administration with an ability to make practical evaluations of risk.
• Ability to work both independently and as a senior part of a team, and to manage and prioritize substantial and diverse workload.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex issues in an understandable manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required. Must be fluent in English and preferably a second language (e.g. German, Spanish, French)
• Very good PC skills, including knowledge of latest AI applications (e.g. MS Co-Pilot) and standard MS Office applications
• Enthusiastic and represents the company's value of integrity.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:

• Law Degree with Legal Professional admission

• 7+ years of law firm with a focus on commercial law or in-house counsel experience in general corporate, commercial and IP law.
• Preferably prior experience with Patent related matters