Introduction
Are you passionate about sports, innovation, and global business? Do you dream of building a career with one of the world’s most iconic brands? The Sourcing Associate Program 2025 at adidas is your gateway to an exciting career in sourcing and supply chain leadership.
This program is designed for talented, curious, and ambitious individuals who want to learn, grow, and lead in a dynamic international environment. Over the course of 24 months, you will rotate across multiple departments, gain hands-on experience, receive mentorship from senior leaders, and build the foundation for a managerial role within adidas.
About the Program
The Sourcing Associate Program offers a structured career path where you will:
- Rotate through key sourcing functions such as Product Creation, Costing, Materials, Testing, Planning, and Manufacturing.
- Participate in on-the-job training and workshops delivered by internal experts.
- Receive mentorship from senior leaders, including the Senior Director of Sourcing Operations.
- Gain exposure to global teams, suppliers, and cross-functional projects.
- Develop the skills needed to become a future leader in sourcing and supply chain.
By the end of the program, participants are expected to step into managerial positions and drive impact across adidas’ global sourcing organization.
Key Responsibilities
As a Sourcing Associate, your role will include:
- Learning & Participation: Actively contribute to sourcing functions such as costing, planning, manufacturing excellence, and quality.
- Business Impact: Build a pipeline of capable future leaders ready to step into key roles when needed.
- Collaboration: Shadow directors and senior managers in their daily work while providing concrete support to assigned departments.
- Leadership Development: Take on functional or project leadership tasks under the guidance of your mentor.
- Innovation: Propose new ideas and contribute to change initiatives within sourcing operations.
- Compliance: Ensure sourcing practices align with adidas’ Responsible Sourcing & Purchasing Policy and global standards.
Possible Key Relationships
During your rotations, you will collaborate with:
- Senior Director of Sourcing Operations (SDSO)
- Directors and Senior Managers
- Costing, Materials, and Manufacturing Excellence teams
- Quality teams
- HQ global sourcing teams
- T1 management and external partners
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
The program looks for individuals who are:
- Technically Skilled: Knowledge in manufacturing, project management, industrial engineering, materials engineering, or sports science is a plus.
- Strong Communicators: Able to present ideas clearly, take efficient notes, and use digital tools effectively.
- Analytical: Comfortable with data collection, reporting, and problem-solving.
- Curious & Open-Minded: Passion for sports, innovation, and continuous learning.
- Multilingual: Fluent in English is required; knowledge of German, Mandarin, Vietnamese, or Bahasa Indonesia is an advantage.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial), MBA, or related fields.
- Vocational training in a multinational organization preferred.
- No prior full-time experience required, but internships or early career exposure will be a plus.
Location & Flexibility
🌍 This is a global role with opportunities for relocation based on company requirements. Flexibility and adaptability are essential.
Salary Range (Estimated)
While adidas does not disclose salary details upfront, based on global graduate programs and sourcing roles:
💰 EUR €30,000 – €40,000 annually (Approx. PKR 9.5M – 12.5M per year) depending on region, location, and experience.
Additional benefits may include:
- Relocation support
- Training & mentorship programs
- Career fast-track opportunities
- Inclusive and diverse work environment
Why Join the adidas Sourcing Associate Program?
Here’s why this program stands out:
✅ Career Growth: Structured rotations leading to managerial opportunities.
✅ Global Exposure: Work with international teams, suppliers, and stakeholders.
✅ Mentorship: Learn directly from senior leaders and sourcing experts.
✅ Innovation-Driven Culture: Be part of a company that values creativity and change.
✅ Passion for Sports: Work with a brand that celebrates performance, diversity, and inclusion.
Future Career Path
Graduates of the Sourcing Associate Program often move into roles such as:
- Sourcing Manager
- Supply Chain Leader
- Product Costing Manager
- Quality Assurance Lead
- Operations Director
This program is more than a job — it’s a career launchpad at adidas.
How to Apply
📌 Interested candidates can apply via the official adidas career portal.
Application Steps:
- Prepare your updated CV and cover letter.
- Highlight your passion for sports, leadership potential, and willingness to relocate.
- Submit your application before the deadline (varies by region).