Manager Sports Marketing - LTD

Position Overview

At adidas, sport is more than competition. It is culture, community, and a powerful platform for connection.

As Manager Sports Marketing - LTD, you will help shape and execute athlete strategy across the global marketplace by identifying, signing, and supporting athletes who authentically represent the brand. You will play a key role in elevating adidas presence through strong athlete partnerships, strategic activations, and premium relationship management.

This role combines talent scouting, partnership development, and operational execution to ensure athletes and partners are supported with the right product, experiences, and storytelling opportunities. Your work directly influences brand credibility, consumer engagement, and long term athlete pipeline development across key categories.

Key Responsibilities

* Athlete Strategy Development: Support the Director and Senior Manager in developing and executing category athlete strategy across the global marketplace, ensuring alignment with brand priorities and consumer relevance.

* Talent Scouting and Pipeline Management: Identify and scout emerging athletes across NCAA, high school, and grassroots levels. Maintain a robust database of prospective signings and cultivate early stage relationships.

* Athlete Signing and Retention: Lead contract support and relationship management with athletes, agents, and managers. Help secure and retain key talent while ensuring alignment with internal stakeholders.

* Athlete Relationship Management: Maintain daily communication with athletes to deliver a premium service experience and ensure strong brand alignment across product, appearances, and activations.

* Merchandising and Product Support: Support category initiatives by placing product buys, forecasting distribution, and managing merchandise programs for athlete and partner needs.

* Activation and Event Execution: Assist in the execution of athlete appearances, retail promotions, and brand activations. Coordinate logistics and ensure timely delivery of assets and product.

* Operational Program Coordination: Manage administrative aspects of athlete programs including order tracking, documentation, budgeting, and internal reporting to ensure accurate and efficient execution.

* Strategy Playbook Coordination: Coordinate athlete strategy playbooks and facilitate meetings covering brand communications, business updates, and product alignment.

* Cross Functional Collaboration: Partner with Brand Activation and other internal teams to support advertising initiatives, collateral development, and integrated campaign execution.

* Travel and Logistics Management: Coordinate athlete travel arrangements and expense reimbursement while supporting product distribution aligned with seasonal availability and business priorities.

Required Qualifications

* Four year college or university degree with emphasis in marketing, business, or a related field.

* Minimum of 3 years of related experience in sports marketing, athlete management, brand partnerships, or similar roles.

* Extensive knowledge of the assigned sport or category landscape.

* Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust based relationships.

* Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions in fast paced, evolving environments.

* Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines across cross functional teams.

* Strong presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively across organizational levels.

* Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.

* Ability to travel extensively, with up to 40 percent travel required during peak periods.

Preferred Experience

* Experience working directly with athletes, agents, or sports organizations.

* Exposure to grassroots, collegiate, and professional athlete ecosystems.

* Experience supporting brand activations, events, or partnership marketing programs.

Work Environment

Hybrid work model requiring in office attendance Monday through Thursday, with remote flexibility on Fridays based on business needs.

Primary work location is Los Angeles, California.

Working language is English.

Heavy travel may be required during peak seasons, up to 40 percent.

This role operates in a dynamic, fast paced environment with frequent cross functional collaboration, event support, and athlete engagement.

Reporting Structure

Reports to senior leadership within the Sports Marketing organization.

This role does not include direct people management responsibilities.

Collaborates closely with Sports Marketing leadership, Brand Activation, Product teams, and external athlete partners to execute category strategy and initiatives.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $98,000 to $110,000 annually.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, skills, and demonstrated proficiency in the role.

adidas offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

* Medical coverage with HSA or FSA options, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.

* Adoption, surrogate, and fertility support.

* Short and long term disability coverage.

* Basic life and AD and D insurance with supplemental options available.

* 401(k) plan and Stock Purchase Plan with employer match.

* Education assistance for eligible full time employees.

* 12 weeks of paid parental leave.

* Flexible time off accrued based on tenure, along with twelve paid holidays and milestone Service Time Off.

* Access to employee wellness programs and product discounts.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at adidas means championing individual uniqueness and cultivating a culture of belonging in which everyone can create at their best. We embrace diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and seek to build a workforce that reflects the consumers and communities we serve.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.