Senior Specialist - Digital Operations & RFID

Senior Specialist - Digital Operations & RFID

Area: Retail Emerging Markets

Department: Retail Operations & Consumer Excellence EM

Reporting to: Manager RFID & Digital Retail EM

Location: Dubai, UAE

GSMS Grade: P1

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization

The Digital Operations & RFID Senior Specialist is responsible for driving the successful implementation of RFID technology across EM Retail, ensuring alignment with adidas Group policies and EM Digital Retail standards. The role focuses on maximizing profitability by preparing, deploying, and supporting RFID tools in stores, while coordinating RFID-related action plans. Additionally, this position oversees the rollout of key retail initiatives, ensuring seamless integration and adherence to regional priorities.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a candidate with strong expertise in RFID technology and retail operations, combined with proven project management experience. The ideal individual is highly analytical, innovative, and skilled in problem-solving, with the ability to drive change and deliver process improvements. They possess excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills, enabling them to collaborate effectively across functions and markets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the EM Retail management team to ensure the effective implementation of EM priorities, with a strong focus on RFID deployment.
• Work cross-functionally with Store Operations, Hub Retail, Tech, Merchandising, SCM, IT, Finance, and Back Office teams in both Hub and Cluster regions.
• Support the SIT and UAT stages, ensuring successful project management and hardware deployment.
• Lead the RFID pilot project, then support the rollout of the developed initiatives across the market in collaboration with business partners, including Retail Directors and District Managers.
• Organize and facilitate meetings to inform and engage the organization on key initiatives, ensuring alignment and motivation.
• Document and share knowledge related to key initiatives, ensuring accessibility for the organization.
• Create and support learning content for involved teams, ensuring regular updates and improvements.
• Deliver training and materials to drive operational efficiency within impacted functions.
• Develop and implement a Change Management strategy, including creating a Master Plan and initiating change within the market organization.
• Regularly review and update internal and external policies and standards based on new systems and tools.
• Prepare new guidelines for markets and districts in response to Market EM requests.
• Identify and support significant improvement opportunities to support the digitalization of Back of House and Back Office functions.
• Develop standards for performance, tools, and services based on best-in-class practices for digitalization in Back of House operations.
• Support the development and testing of new processes and procedures to improve operational efficiency.
• Enhance productivity in Back of House operations, including Omni Channel services and delivery processes, while monitoring KPIs and providing timely feedback to drive positive results.
• Collaborate closely with Process Improvement FoH and Digital teams to create a holistic store ecosystem that fosters reciprocal interaction between Front of House and Back of House operations.
• Support efforts to address ongoing requests and resolve current issues, ensuring continuous improvement.

Key Relationships

• Retail & Digital Operations – Hub
• Retail Excellence – Clusters
• IT – Global & Regional
• SCM
• Business Solutions
• Store Development
• Merchandising
• Human Resources & Retail Training

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of RFID technology and retail process digitalization (especially BOH operations).
• Solid project management experience , from initiation to closure.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills .
• Strong influencing and communication abilities .
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and under pressure.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite .
• Fluency in English (additional languages an advantage).
• Geographical mobility and flexibility in working environments.

Education & Experience

• University degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Marketing, Sales , or similar business field.
• 2–4 years of retail operations experience .
• Proven RFID knowledge and practical experience .
• At least 1 year of project management experience .