Director Tech, Japan

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization

Responsible for establishing and overseeing the organization’s approach to information systems, digital services, and associated technology, ensuring alignment with the needs of stakeholders and corporate governance requirements. This role aims to add value to the business through excellent IT support and cost-effective, innovative solutions, driving digital transformation and improving the quality of IT services with a focus on end users and consumers. The position is accountable for shaping and executing the IT strategy, optimizing resources, and delivering impactful digital solutions across the value chain in Japan

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Define and execute the Market IT strategy aligned with global direction and market needs.
• Establish governance frameworks ensuring transparency, compliance, and accountability.
• Serve as the primary IT liaison to Japan market leadership.

Enterprise Architecture & Systems Development

• Lead the development and evolution of enterprise architecture to support business transformation and scalability.
• Ensure systems development practices are secure, agile, and aligned with both global standards and local market needs.
• Promote architectural consistency and integration across platforms to enable seamless business operations.

Analytics & Information Security

• Champion a data-driven culture by embedding advanced analytics into decision-making processes across functions.
• Oversee the implementation of robust information security frameworks, ensuring compliance with corporate policies and local regulations.
• Collaborate with legal, risk, and technical teams to proactively manage data governance and cybersecurity risks.

Business Process & Service Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement of business processes through automation, digitalization, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ensure high service quality through effective service level management, supplier performance oversight, and operational excellence.
• Establish clear KPIs and feedback loops to monitor service delivery and identify opportunities for optimization.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders across functions and geographies.
• Act as the escalation point for IT-related issues impacting business operations.

People & Organizational Development

• Lead a high-performing, diverse team across sub functions
• Drive talent development, succession planning, and organizational capability building.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and growth-oriented culture.

Key Relationships

• Japan MD and Market SLT
• CIO and Global Tech SLT
• Global business IT functions and global operations functions.
• Local business partners

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Extensive cross-functional IT knowledge with strong business acumen.
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills; effective communication at all levels.
• Proficient in coaching, guiding, and developing talent within a strong team.
• Proficient in project and service management, budgeting, and financial management.
• Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications
• University degree in Business Administration or Computer Science.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in international IT environments, with at least 5 years in management roles.
• Language skills: Fluent in both Japanese & English (spoken and written)

adidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an equal opportunity employer.