Operations Manager

Your Role in a Nutshell

As Operations Manager at the adidas Foundation, you are more than just a gatekeeper of processes – you are the architect of simplicity and effectiveness in a complex world. Your role is vital in setting up and managing operational systems that help our team to create real-world impact through sport. From navigating the legal requirements of a German non-profit, over streamlining administrative, financial, and people & culture processes to creating tools that enhance our ways of working: You’ll ensure the Foundation operates seamlessly and stays focused on its mission.

This is not your ordinary operations role. It’s a chance to dive head first into a diverse range of topics across various domains of non-profit management, balancing the precision of compliance with the creativity of building something from the ground up in a fast-paced, startup-like environment. If you enjoy solving problems, creating structure where it’s needed, and supporting a team passionate about changing the world through sport, this is your chance to make a difference. As a new organization founded in December 2023, the adidas Foundation offers the perfect setting for someone ready to take on challenges, make an impact, and help shape the future of a young organization with big ambitions.

Key Stats

Team: Operations

Direct Reporting Line: Head of Operations

Country of Employment: Germany

Office Location: Nuremberg (up to 80% mobile work within Germany per month)

Working Hours: 35 hours per week (full-time)

Your Day-To-Day

People & Culture

1. Develop and implement central people related processes, tools and templates, ensuring they are effectively tailored to the Foundation’s needs at each stage of growth. Areas can include, but are not limited to on- and offboarding processes, time & leave management, benefits and learning portfolios and performance development.
2. Administer digital tools to enhance the employee and recruitment experience, ensure seamless integration into daily operations and with cross-functional operations (e.g., reimbursement and travel management processes).
3. Drive initiatives that foster team cohesion and embed the Foundation’s values and strategy, including coordination of team-building activities, standardized inductions and activities that bring our organizational standards to life.
4. Act as primary point of contact and guide the team on people and recruitment related matters.

Organizational Management & Governance

1. Support reporting processes, including the preparation and submission of required reports (e.g., Tätigkeitsbericht), ensuring accuracy and timely delivery to authorities, donors, and other key stakeholders.
2. Support the development and maintenance of organizational policies, providing research, initial drafts, and structure for stakeholder input and ensuring alignment with relevant standards (e.g., GDPR, German fiscal code, employment law).
3. Maintain central operations records, templates, and documents, ensuring they are regularly up-to-date, properly recorded, and comply with retention, archiving, and deletion protocols.
4. Provide logistical and administrative support for board, leadership and team meetings, including preparing agendas, meeting documentation and tracking actions.

Organizational Development

1. Provide general project coordination on emerging initiatives in the operations department with a particular focus on the development, installation or integration of systems and processes.
2. Assist in the implementation of our organizational management framework and help streamlining and maintaining processes and workflows for adidas Charity (i.e., adidas Foundation and its sole shareholder the adidas Stiftung).
3. Identify training needs, research emerging topics and ensure knowledge is disseminated effectively across the team, e.g., by facilitating relevant upskilling.

The People You'll Work With

1. adidas Foundation’s Head of Operations & team
2. adidas Foundation's Managing Director, other department leads and the broader team of the Foundation
3. adidas Stiftung Board of Directors
4. External vendors and consultants
5. Public & state authorities

What Makes You Awesome

1. A results driven and self-motivated team player with compassion, integrity, trust, and perseverance
2. Hands-on approach with the ability to balance leading initiatives, coordinating projects and executing tasks
3. A quick learner with a strong desire to work in a startup environment, capable of juggling diverse responsibilities and working across multiple domains
4. An ability to quickly master new systems, softwares and tools, develop processes, and support others to engage effectively with them
5. Strong business and financial acumen, including good understanding of financial processes and performance monitoring and the ability track and report on fund utilization
6. Exhibits sound judgment, tact, humility, and discretion in working with stakeholders and partners. Culturally savvy with extensive interpersonal skills, connecting effectively with diverse communities, stakeholders, and cultures, prioritizing trust-based relationship building
7. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work, pay attention to detail, and meet deadlines and objectives
8. Applies strong analytical, research, and creative thinking skills, demonstrating excellence in problem-solving and translating ideas into action
9. Effective English and German presentation and communication skills (verbal and in written) and composure in conveying information

Your Fundamentals

1. 5-7 years of work experience in interdisciplinary project, head office, administration or operations roles, preferably in a non-profit context
2. Particular expertise in one key area (people & culture, legal functions, finance, tax, or business management)
3. Experience with digital HR/recruitment tools (e.g., Personio, SAP) and/or governance requirements in a German non-profit context is a plus
4. Additional qualifications in business administration or project management is helpful but not required

Your Future Working Environment

1. Experience and thrive in a dynamic, true startup environment and be part of building a non-profit organization from its early years onwards
2. Competitive compensation in line with industry standards for the non-profit sector
3. Flexible work arrangements (based on 35 hours full-time) with up to 80% mobile work within Germany
4. 30 days annual leave plus up to 30 days working from elsewhere (subject to individual's country of citizenship, work permit and employer approval)
5. Further perks include employer-supported sports & wellness offering, commuter support and individual professional development
6. Continual enhancement of benefits during and beyond 2025

About Us

Welcome to the adidas Foundation! We are an independent nonprofit organization with the mission to harness the transformative power of sport to tackle pressing social and environmental challenges worldwide. As an initiative launched by adidas AG in Herzogenaurach, we believe in the unparalleled ability of sport to unite communities and drive positive change in the face of global issues such as conflict, inequality, discrimination, and climate change. Envisioning a world where everyone has access to the life-changing benefits of sport and physical activity, the adidas Foundation strives to create a brighter future for both people and the planet. Through direct action, capacity building, and advocacy, we collaborate with like-minded partners across the globe to bring our vision to life.

While maintaining a strong connection with adidas AG, our primary funding source, we operate with full autonomy to strategically allocate resources toward fulfilling our charitable mission. We drive impactful initiatives, including grants for nonprofit organizations worldwide, support local projects aligned with our mission and empower social entrepreneurs through grants and seed funding. Our collaborations with essential service providers guarantee the successful execution of initiatives, ranging from refurbishing community football pitches to conducting impact assessments. From local initiatives to our partners around the globe: Our aim is to empower communities worldwide. Additionally, we actively contribute to research and advocacy efforts, furthering our overarching goals. By offering expertise and support to stakeholders within the sport-for-good sector, we foster collaboration and collective progress towards achieving our mission.

Join our Team!

As the adidas Foundation heads into its second year of operations, we are building our team to drive great impact. If you are passionate about leveraging sport for positive change and want to be part of a dynamic organization committed to making a difference, consider joining the adidas Foundation. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of gender identity and expression, personal background, beliefs, preferences, and abilities. Together, we can create a world where the transformative power of sport is accessible to all, changing lives and shaping a better future for generations to come.