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Manager Climate & Decarbonization

adidas • Germany • Added on Jul 20, 2026
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This role acts as a primary specialist for evaluating and scaling carbon reduction levers across a complex global value chain. You will take ownership of the environmental impact data, translating technical findings into actionable roadmaps for products, materials, and manufacturing technologies. By maintaining 360-degree visibility over the carbon footprint, you will ensure that every innovation is backed by robust climate accounting.

Working for a global leader in sportswear means your decisions directly influence high-volume manufacturing and material science at scale. You are not just reporting data; you are driving the next major transformation in how a global brand operates within planetary boundaries, influencing both upstream suppliers and downstream consumer claims. This is a chance to move the needle on real-world emissions in the fashion and textile industry.

This suits someone who possesses a highly analytical mind and a deep background in material science or environmental engineering. You should be comfortable navigating complex datasets while maintaining the strategic vision needed to influence cross-functional teams.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core of this role involves driving the early evaluation of decarbonization levers, with a heavy emphasis on material and technology innovations within the sportswear industry. You will be responsible for the end-to-end management of environmental impact data, from developing the tools for analysis to communicating performance indicators to executive teams. Beyond data tracking, you will take an active role in shaping the global Climate strategy. This involves providing technical guidance on carbon accounting and ensuring that the company’s long-term sustainability roadmap is both scientifically credible and operationally feasible.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Joining this team offers an unparalleled deep dive into large-scale supply chain decarbonization. You will gain hands-on experience with industry-specific standards such as the Leather Working Group (LWG) and Textile Exchange, while also mastering the complexities of Science Based Targets (SBTi). There is a significant opportunity to develop expertise in material science innovations and their lifecycle impacts. Working at the intersection of innovation and sourcing, you will learn how to balance performance requirements of athletic gear with the rigorous demands of environmental footprinting.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate brings at least three years of professional experience in sustainability impact management, preferably with a Master’s degree in Environmental or Material Science. You must be highly proficient in data interpretation and possess the technical literacy to discuss carbon accounting with specialists and strategic goals with managers. A solution-oriented mindset is essential. Because this role requires collaborating with diverse suppliers and internal teams, you need to be a clear communicator who can simplify complex ESG concepts into actionable insights without losing technical accuracy.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between technical data and business strategy. In your application, highlight specific examples where you have evaluated material-level impacts or influenced a supply chain partner to adopt more sustainable practices. Show that you understand the unique challenges of the apparel and footwear industry. Referencing your familiarity with lifecycle assessment tools and carbon accounting protocols will signal that you are ready to hit the ground running in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on Scope 3 emissions, particularly those originating from materials and manufacturing processes. You will likely spend significant time on environmental analysis related to bio-based materials, recycling technologies, and energy efficiency in the supply chain. You will also ensure the integrity of external sustainability claims. By providing credible data, this role protects the brand from greenwashing risks and ensures that consumer-facing transparency efforts are backed by rigorous scientific methodology.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges will be the harmonization of data across a global supplier network. Ensuring that diverse international partners provide consistent and high-quality environmental footprint data requires both technical oversight and strong relationship management. Additionally, you may face the challenge of balancing innovation speed with rigorous testing. Aligning the rapid development cycles of the sporting goods industry with the detailed, often time-consuming processes of lifecycle environmental analysis requires excellent time management and prioritization skills.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a deep dive into performance indicators, reviewing carbon data from a new material trial. You might then transition into a workshop with the Innovation and Sourcing teams to discuss the viability of a new low-carbon manufacturing technology. Afternoons are often spent in meetings with external standard setters or providing guidance to suppliers on reporting protocols. The day usually ends with strategic documentation, updating the decarbonization roadmap to reflect the latest research and project progress.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

Within a global organization like Adidas, growth can take the form of horizontal mobility into sourcing, innovation, or corporate strategy, or vertical advancement into senior sustainability leadership. The high visibility of the decarbonization agenda ensures your work is recognized at the executive level. You will have the chance to lead high-impact projects that serve as benchmarks for the entire textile industry. This role positions you as a leading expert in climate transition, a skill set that is increasingly in demand for future executive sustainability roles.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will frequently interact with the Materials Implementation and Innovation teams to ensure sustainability is embedded in product development. These internal relationships are crucial for turning theoretical carbon savings into tangible product changes. Externally, you will engage with tier-one suppliers and global environmental organizations like the SBTi. Acting as a technical liaison, you will ensure that the company’s standards are understood and met by the partners who represent the largest portion of the environmental footprint.

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