Senior Manager Human Resources - Retail

*We are open to candidates based in New York City, Los Angeles, or Portland, Oregon*.

Purpose 

The Senior Manager Human Resources, Retail serves as a strategic HR partner to the Brick-and-Mortar Retail business, supporting leaders and employees across multiple regions. This role leads a team of HR professionals and is responsible for leading initiatives that drive team performance, employee engagement, talent development, workforce planning, employee relations, and HR operational excellence. The Senior Manager HR will contribute to the development and execution of HR strategies that elevate organizational effectiveness and align with both North America (NAM) and Global HR programs and policies. In close partnership with Retail business leaders and the HR Director, the Senior Manager helps shape and execute HR strategies that support business goals, foster a culture of recognition and fairness, and empower employees to reach their full potential.

 

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations

• Lead resolution of complex employee relations matters, ensuring alignment with adidas policies and legal compliance.
• Partner with the Employee Relations Director to analyze trends and guide corrective action strategies.
• Provide coaching and guidance to leaders on labor and employment issues, fostering a consistent and positive employee experience.
• Manage sensitive cases including EEOC, DOL, ADA accommodations, and unemployment issues.

Talent Development & Workforce Planning

• Collaborate with Regional Directors, District Managers, and Retail Back Office leaders to drive performance management, succession planning, and employee development.
• Monitor organizational health and identify trends to inform strategic HR initiatives.
• Support staffing plans and internal talent pipelines to meet growth demands.
• Partner with Talent teams to build diverse, high-performing talent pools.
• Create and deliver training programs to enhance leadership capabilities and promote self-sufficiency.

HR Strategy & Administration

• Lead cross-functional HR projects and initiatives that support business goals.
• Act as a consultative partner to retail leaders, ensuring HR programs are understood and effectively implemented.
• Support organizational design and change management efforts.
• Serve as a liaison between business needs and HR systems, ensuring operational efficiency.
• Provide meeting support including content development and facilitation at regional and district levels.

Culture & Engagement

• Partner with HR Director to drive cultural transformation and change management initiatives.
• Promote a culture of recognition, fairness, and respect across all levels of the organization.
• Assist in developing communication strategies that reinforce company values and mission.

 

Key Relationships 

• Retail HR Team
• Retail Back Office & Store Leadership
• Loss Prevention
• Talent Acquisition & Talent Partnering
• Compensation & Benefits
• Legal, Controlling, and Global HR Teams
• Local and Regional HR Managers & Specialists

 

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Proven ability to influence and build credibility with senior leaders and stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated experience in leading, developing, and inspiring a team of HR professionals to deliver high-impact results.
• Strong business acumen with a deep understanding of retail sales drivers, financial metrics, and operational priorities.
• Expertise in employee relations, organizational development, and performance management, with the ability to coach through complex and sensitive issues.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills, with a high level of emotional intelligence and professionalism.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilit