Category Director (m/f/d) Women Apparel Speed - BU Originals - temp until 28.02.2027

PURPOSE

As a Director in Product Marketing, you set strategic direction for product marketing within your respective area. You lead the translation of our Originals Business Unit (BU) strategy into product marketing frameworks that drive consumer engagement and commercial success. You empower cross-functional teams, foster innovation, and ensure global consistency in product storytelling and execution. Your role is instrumental in shaping category strategy, driving performance, and building future growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide understanding of the BU vision to ensure product features, benefits, and pricing strategies are aligned with consumer and market needs
• Drive strategic seasonal product portfolio planning and its tactics, ensuring alignment with brand and category direction to maximize consumer impact
• Identify new business growth opportunities by leading market and consumer analysis to drive innovation and competitive advantages
• Own the full product creation lifecycle, managing cross-functional teams to deliver against key milestones while ensuring consistency with brand and category goals
• Monitor product creation processes are followed and timelines are met to support efficient range development
• Own the integrity of product data across internal systems, ensuring accurate input and alignment with planning, costing, and communication requirements
• Provide guidance on product data and attribute requirements, ensuring alignment with category and brand expectations while being consulted throughout the process
• Lead cross-functional collaboration and ensure Design, Development, and Marketing teams are aligned on product creation goals and timelines
• Deliver relevant concept information with connected teams and ensure alignment with BU strategy; Lead alignment with Go to Market (GTM), Brand Communications, Sports/Culture Marketing, and Creative Direction & Innovation teams to ensure cohesive storytelling and launch execution
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships across business units to identify synergies and ensure consistency in execution
• Oversee and contribute to data analysis efforts to ensure alignment with brand and business priorities on future decisions and range planning
• Lead KPI tracking (like buying volume, revenue, margin, and sell-through) to execute financial planning and drive product improvement
• Successfully manage performance, staffing and employee engagement while leading, motivating and developing a diverse team of managers or experts

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Expert-level knowledge of lifestyle / fashion industry and product category trends
• Deep understanding of cross-functional marketing disciplines and brand strategy
• High proficiency in strategic and tactical planning and data-driven decision-making
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills across all levels
• Proven ability to resolve conflicts and align cross-functional stakeholders
• Leadership in executing change and transformation initiatives
• Strong consumer orientation in product and market decisions
• Creative and lateral thinking to drive innovation and challenge norms
• Ability to travel and represent brand passion for lifestyle / fashion

QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree (BA / MA / MBA) in Marketing, Business Administration, Product Management, or related field
• Extensive experience (10 years) in Product Marketing, Brand Management, or Category Management
• Expert-level understanding of consumer behavior and segmentation across regions
• Strong familiarity with global retail environments, e-commerce, and omnichannel marketing
• Demonstrated success in leading product creation from concept to market across categories
• Proven leadership in cross-functional team environments
• Excellent English; fluency in another language relevant to key markets is strongly preferred
• Digital fluency in Office 365 applications and product and marketing tools

adidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an equal opportunity employer.