Executive Support Manager

Adidas; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global sportswear company in Dubai is seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to provide strategic support to the Managing Director of Emerging Markets. The successful candidate will manage complex schedules, coordinate travel arrangements, and handle confidential information with discretion. Ideal applicants have 5+ years supporting senior executives, excellent communication and leadership skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. This role requires agility in a fast-paced environment with a strong emphasis on cultural awareness.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience supporting C-level or senior executives.
• Exceptional organizational ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proven ability to build trust and alignment across diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage the MD's calendar and priorities effectively.
• Coordinate complex travel arrangements and logistics.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Support alignment across leadership teams and manage projects.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Concur

SuccessFactors

Job description

Purpose & Overall Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to provide comprehensive and strategic support to the Managing Director of Emerging Markets.

This role sits at the center of a vibrant, fast-paced, and multicultural region. You will anticipate needs, manage sensitive information with discretion, and represent the Managing Director with professionalism and integrity. Acting as a trusted partner, you will enable the MD to focus on strategic priorities while ensuring that every interaction and engagement reflects the excellence and values of adidas Emerging Markets.

Key Responsibilities:

Calendar & MD Priorities Management

• Full ownership of the MD's calendar across local, regional and Global engagements
• Anticipate and manage priorities, schedule changes, and meeting preparations with efficiency and discretion
• Develop, Manage and Execute MD focused initiatives aligned with the Emerging Markets Calendar priorities
• Facilitate MD offsites, meetings and travel , with duties including advance agenda prep, arranging complex travel logistics and relevant travel information and communication of expectations to respective stakeholders
• Optimize time management of MD with complex time zones

Travel & Logistics (T&E)

• Plan and manage complex, multi-destination travel arrangements (flights, hotels, visas, transportation)
• Coordinate itineraries and logistics for internal visitors and ensure seamless execution
• Track travel budgets, negotiate with vendors, and ensure cost-effectiveness
• Comprehensive understanding of Travel Policy and Expenses
• Promote sustainable and responsible travel practices across all Emerging Markets
• Strong partnership with Global Travel Management and Risk teams as well as dedicated Travel Agency

Administrative & Confidential Support

• Handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion and professionalism
• Draft, edit, and review correspondence, presentations, and internal/external communications on behalf of MD
• Maintain and update MDs databases, reports, and documentation with accuracy
• Provide PA support to MD ensuring seamless coordination between professional and personal commitments

Stakeholder & Office Coordination

• Serve as the central liaison between the MD and all functional, market and Global leaders
• Coordinate external meetings and follow-ups with key partners and stakeholders
• Support alignment across leadership teams, ensuring calendar and meeting schedules reflect strategic business priorities and anticipated needs
• Lead and manage cross-functional projects and initiatives on behalf of the Executive Office, supporting planning, execution, and delivery across Emerging Markets
• Facilitate efficient decision-making, driving organizational alignment, and overseeing projects and initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with department heads and the EM Executive Assistant community to ensure efficiency, consistency, and alignment across all projects, market visits and meeting arrangements
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, fostering collaboration and alignment across diverse teams
• Skilled at influencing and engaging stakeholders across multiple functions and regions, both internal and external

VIP Visits & Event Management

• Coordinate high-level visits and internal events, managing agendas, logistics, and participant experience
• Liaise with venues, suppliers, and partners to ensure smooth execution of events.
• Work closely with NTP, legal and events management team for compliance delivery on all events
• Project lead and manage end to end operations for MD offsites and conferences

Expense Management

• Manage Concur claims and related expense processes with accuracy and timeliness
• Comprehensive understanding and execution of T&E Policy

Anticipation & Agility

• Anticipate needs, flag issues early, and bring solutions before problems arise
• Maintain composure and professionalism under pressure, acting as a stabilizing and reliable partner

Managerial responsibilities

• Support performance evaluation processes by coordinating SLT feedback and development planning for Executive Assistant Hub team (e.g., 90-day plans, MYBEST PS)
• Provide guidance and mentorship to EA team, fostering collaboration, growth and creating path of succession
• Coordinate and manage the Emerging Markets Executive Assistant community to promote best practices, knowledge sharing, effective communication and process improvements
• Facilitate clear and consistent communication within the EA Community across all markets

Key Relationships:

• Managing Director Emerging Markets
• Emerging Markets Senior Leadership HUB Team (HR, BD, Finance, Comms, Brand, Supply Chain, Retail)
• Emerging Markets General Managers
• Emerging Markets Executive Assistants Community
• Global Board assistants and other Global BU EAs
• External client stakeholders
• Vendor managements and relations

Profile, Skills and Abilities:

• Proven experience supporting C-level or senior executives in a multinational, fast paced and dynamic environment
• Strong leadership and project management skills
• Exceptional organizational ability and attention to detail, with the capacity to manage multiple complex priorities simultaneously
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills, with a collaborative and culturally aware mindset
• Proven ability to build trust and alignment across diverse teams and regions
• High degree of discretion, professionalism, and integrity in handling confidential information
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, demonstrating a proactive "can-do" attitude.
• Skilled in stakeholder coordination, networking, and relationship managementProven ability to streamline administrative processes and drive operational efficiency
• Technically proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Teams), Concur, and SuccessFactors.
• Emotionally intelligent and a strong team spirit
• Previous experience working across complex time zones or within the travel industry is a plus
• Fluent in English; additional languages are an advantage.

Qualifications:

• 5 years+ experience supporting C-level or senior leadership
• Bachelor's degree minimum
• Experience working in Emerging Markets Countries is a plus.