Do you think we can do better for the environment we play and train in?
At adidas, the answer to this question is always yes because for them, environmental sustainability is one of the greatest expressions of their purpose: "Through sport, we have the power to change lives." After all, if we don’t protect the ground we’re on, how can we play sport?
adidas is constantly upping its game when it comes to sustainability. Where some may feel defeated by the significant environmental challenges ahead, adidas sees an opportunity to win together; a mindset that is central to their 5-year growth and investment strategy, Own the Game.
Environmental sustainability is integral to Own the Game, but adidas can't meet its ambitious 2025 targets alone. The challenges faced are too complex and far bigger than adidas, so they know that a team effort is required across multiple stakeholders, businesses and sectors to leave the planet better than they found it.
Why should this interest you?
Chemicals and Wastewater are two key elements of adidas environmental impact; water is both essential for life and increasingly threatened, and handling chemicals is often unavoidably part of creating high-performance products. For this reason, adidas sets strong targets for its suppliers to reduce water consumption in production and to partner with chemical experts, environmental organisations and industry federations to deliver end-to-end chemical reduction in its supply chains.
adidas recognises that it is part of the world’s environmental problems, but is determined to change this. Part of this determination means growing its global environmental team to increase its presence across supply chains to drive meaningful change. They’re looking for a passionate sustainability leader to join this team as a Director of Environment - Chemicals & Wastewater in Hong Kong.
That’s where you come in…
If you’re an established global Chemicals & Wastewater leader, you know that the management of chemicals in a multi-layer supply chain is complex and challenging. That’s why adidas need you to collaborate widely across their stakeholder network of chemical experts to identify areas for improvement and to deliver impact. You’ll not only need to have your finger on the pulse in all things fashion and footwear, but you’ll have to know where the industry stands now and where adidas wants it to be in the future.
Reporting into the Senior Director of Global Environment, you’ll champion the development and execution of an end-to-end Chemical & Wastewater management strategy with a clear vision and goals that align with adidas overarching environmental strategy.
Key Responsibilities:
Developing strategic Chemicals & Wastewater programmes for adidas global supply chain partners
Engaging closely with relevant environmental and business experts, ensuring alignment of programmes across a breadth of the supply chain (between divisions and business entities)
Identifying areas of future and value-added opportunities in respect to environmental strategic priorities to drive the improvement in global supply chain
Driving and managing strategic projects, activities and reports that contribute to the goal and future vision for chemicals and wastewater
Managing the interconnectivity, coordination and convergence of the Chemical & Wastewater programme needs
Coaching, leading and developing a team of specialists to implement and improve the strategic goals and targets of the Chemical & Wastewater
Supporting the execution of Chemical & Wastewater policies, requirements, tools and methodologies, future-proofing it for the suppliers and countries falling under scope
Providing oversight to team’s training of all nominated suppliers to contribute capacity building, technical knowledge and thought leadership in Chemical & Wastewater related issues in the global supply chain
Engaging in dialogue with third parties, including NGO, government bodies, and professional institutions to further investigate and test future concepts linked to chemicals and wastewater
Building relationships and collaborating effectively with key internal stakeholders, including the Global Environmental Team, sourcing division, global operations, as well as external stakeholders such as NGOs, government bodies, professional institutions and more
Knowledge, skills and abilities:
Proven track record leading diverse teams within a large organisation, influencing and inspiring others to take ownership of key sustainability initiatives with confidence
Strong business acumen with an ability to keep an accurate pulse on challenges and opportunities in your business area
Superior quantitative and analytical problem-solving skills with a natural curiosity and an ability to navigate complexity, uncertainty and ambiguity with ease
Ability to develop business cases effectively, including financial implications for environmental investments
Excellent oral and written communication skills to convey complex information in a way that is simple and easy to understand across diverse stakeholder groups
Demonstrable experience interacting with stakeholders of all levels, flexing your approach to partner, influence and share knowledge across relevant networks
Strong written and verbal English, any other regional (Asia Pacific) language is a plus
High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint programmes
Requisite education and experience / minimum qualifications:
Minimum 10 years of experience in managing chemical/wastewater aspects, including 8 years of management-level of strategic planning and performance management experience
Proven people and team management skill (at least 5 years)
Master’s degree or above in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's degree can be considered for the right candidate)
Travel:
30-40%
If you love sport and you want to change the world, the ball is in your court. Please apply directly or contact Emily Goetsch at emily.goetsch@acre.com because we’d love to hear from you.
