Manager Legal Counsel Global Brand &-Sports-Marketing Legal & Business Affairs

PURPOSE AND OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANIZATION

As a Legal Counsel specializing in Sports Marketing, Brand Marketing, and Sustainability, you will be the bridge between legal complexities and commercial success. Your legal expertise, combined with a keen business sense and passion for sports, will empower you to provide strategic guidance to our teams. You'll leverage your interpersonal skills to build strong relationships, contribute proactively, and drive results. You will work closely with stakeholders across various departments (including football, tennis, track & field and brand marketing) to provide timely and pragmatic legal advice while driving the achievement of our business objectives. This role requires a candidate who possesses a solid foundation in legal principles, a strategic mindset, a keen ability to balance legal risks with business goals, and, above all, a real passion for sport.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Commercial and Strategic Legal Support: Partner closely with the Sports Marketing, Brand Marketing, and Sustainability teams to provide pragmatic legal advice that supports strategic business objectives. Balance legal considerations with commercial goals, ensuring a seamless integration of legal expertise within our business initiatives.
• Sports Marketing: Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts and agreements, including sponsorship agreements and endorsements.
• Brand Marketing: Transactional Brand Marketing work including the drafting, reviewing and negotiating of agency framework agreements and supporting on marketing campaigns.
• Product Claims: Counsel and execute clearance and claims substantiation for marketing business, including reviewing copy, advertisements, digital marketing content and creative related to events and activations.
• Production Clearance: Advise on production clearances for new campaigns and initiatives (including advice to international agencies).
• Sustainability Advocacy: Collaborate with Sustainability teams to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and industry standards, promoting adidas' commitment to sustainability.
• International Focus: Manage legal matters with an international scope, considering cultural nuances and the wider global impact of the role.
• Efficient Processes: Champion the use of legal technology and efficient processes to streamline workflows, enabling quicker decision-making and enhancing overall productivity.
• Continuous Improvement: Strive for excellence and be proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement within legal documentation, templates, processes and strategies.
• Team Contribution: Regardless of experience level, actively contribute to the success of our legal team by sharing insights, participating in projects, and embracing a growth mindset.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Global Brand & Sports Marketing | Legal & Business Affairs department;
• Global + Local Sports Marketing departments;
• Global Communications / Digital Marketing / Global PR;
• Global Intellectual Property / Finance & Controlling / Tax;
• External partners, e.g. agents, senior representatives of governing bodies, federations, clubs and athletes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Commercial Mindset: Proven ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice that supports strategic objectives in global context.
• Efficiency Advocate: Adept at leveraging legal technology and process improvement to optimize workflows and decision-making.
• Passion for Sports and Sustainability: Genuine enthusiasm for sports, coupled with an understanding of the industry's legal dynamics. A strong interest in sustainability and corporate responsibility, with an understanding of relevant environmental regulations is a plus.
• Interpersonal Excellence: Outstanding interpersonal skills to build strong relationships, establish credibility, and facilitate collaboration.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and dynamic business environments.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Proven ability to analyse complex issues, think creatively, and provide actionable solutions.
• Team Player: Collaborative mindset, actively contributing to the collective success of the legal team.

REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/ MININUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Legal Expertise: University degree in Law and admission to a recognized bar association.
• A minimum of 2-4 years of relevant legal experience, preferably with a focus on sports law, marketing law, intellectual property, and sustainability.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in English (German, French and/or Spanish languages are a plus).

Join the Team

If you're a forward-thinking lawyer who is excited about the intersection of law and business, and you're eager to contribute to the success of a global leader in sportswear and lifestyle, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. At adidas, we believe that through sport, we have the power to change lives. Join us in making a lasting impact on our brand and the world.