Adidas Business Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Adidas is a leading global sportswear brand dedicated to creating innovative products that enhance athletic performance while promoting a sustainable business model.

As a Business Analyst at Adidas, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Supply Chain Finance team by analyzing operational and financial performance data. Your key responsibilities will include developing and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), managing supply chain budgets, and conducting financial analyses to support fact-based decision-making. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to identify cost-saving opportunities, enhance transparency on cost drivers, and assist in business case development for various projects. A strong background in finance, excellent analytical skills, and proficiency in tools such as Excel and SAP are vital for this role. The ideal candidate should possess a solid understanding of supply chain mechanisms, be proficient in financial reporting, and demonstrate effective communication skills to interact with internal business partners.

This guide will help you prepare for an interview by providing insights into the expectations and skills required for the Business Analyst role at Adidas, giving you a competitive edge in the application process.

The interview process for a Business Analyst at Adidas is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates align with the company's values and operational needs. The process typically unfolds in several stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step involves a phone interview with a recruiter. This conversation is designed to gauge your interest in the role, discuss your background, and evaluate your fit within Adidas's culture. Expect questions about your experience, motivations, and understanding of the business analyst role, particularly in the context of supply chain finance.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment. This could involve a case study or a practical exercise where you analyze data and present your findings. The focus will be on your analytical skills, proficiency in Excel, and ability to interpret financial data. You may also be asked to demonstrate your understanding of key performance indicators (KPIs) and how they relate to supply chain operations.

3. Behavioral Interviews

Candidates typically participate in one or more behavioral interviews with team members and managers. These interviews often utilize the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to explore how you have handled past challenges, worked in teams, and contributed to projects. Be prepared to discuss specific examples that highlight your analytical skills, project management experience, and ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.

4. Panel Interview

In some cases, a panel interview may be conducted, involving multiple stakeholders from different departments. This stage assesses your ability to collaborate and communicate with various teams. Expect questions that explore your understanding of supply chain mechanisms, financial controlling, and your approach to problem-solving in a dynamic environment.

5. Final Interview

The final stage usually involves a discussion with senior management or executives. This interview focuses on your long-term career goals, alignment with Adidas's values, and your vision for contributing to the company's success. You may also discuss salary expectations and logistical details regarding the role.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their knowledge of the fashion and retail industry, as well as their familiarity with tools like SAP and financial analysis methodologies.

Next, let's delve into the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews at Adidas.

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Analyst interview at Adidas. The interview process will likely focus on your analytical skills, financial acumen, and ability to work collaboratively within a team. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis, project management, and your understanding of supply chain mechanisms.

Analytical Skills

1. Can you describe a time when you used data to make a business decision?

This question assesses your ability to leverage data for decision-making, which is crucial for a Business Analyst role.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example where your analysis led to a significant business outcome. Highlight the data sources you used and the impact of your decision.

Example

“In my previous role, I analyzed sales data to identify trends in customer purchasing behavior. By presenting my findings to the management team, we adjusted our inventory strategy, which resulted in a 15% increase in sales over the next quarter.”

2. How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects?

This question evaluates your project management skills and ability to handle competing priorities.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, including any frameworks or tools you use to manage your workload effectively.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on their impact on business goals and deadlines. I use a project management tool to track progress and ensure that I allocate time effectively to high-impact projects while keeping communication open with stakeholders.”

3. Describe a situation where you had to analyze a complex dataset. What tools did you use?

This question tests your technical skills and familiarity with data analysis tools.

How to Answer

Mention the dataset, the tools you used (like Excel or SAP), and the insights you derived from your analysis.

Example

“I worked on a project where I analyzed customer feedback data using Excel and Power BI. By applying pivot tables and visualizations, I identified key areas for product improvement, which helped the team enhance customer satisfaction scores by 20%.”

4. What KPIs do you think are most important for measuring supply chain performance?

This question assesses your understanding of supply chain metrics and their relevance to business performance.

How to Answer

Discuss specific KPIs relevant to supply chain management, explaining why they are important.

Example

“I believe that metrics such as inventory turnover, order fulfillment rate, and supply chain cost as a percentage of sales are critical. They provide insights into efficiency and help identify areas for cost reduction and service improvement.”

Financial Acumen

5. How do you approach financial forecasting?

This question evaluates your financial analysis skills and understanding of forecasting methods.

How to Answer

Explain your methodology for creating financial forecasts, including any tools or techniques you use.

Example

“I use historical data and market trends to create financial forecasts. I typically employ Excel for modeling and scenario analysis, allowing me to adjust assumptions and see potential impacts on revenue and costs.”

6. Can you explain the difference between OPEX and CAPEX?

This question tests your knowledge of financial terminology and concepts.

How to Answer

Provide a clear definition of both terms and their implications for financial reporting.

Example

“OPEX refers to operational expenditures, which are ongoing costs for running a business, while CAPEX refers to capital expenditures, which are investments in long-term assets. Understanding the distinction is crucial for budgeting and financial planning.”

7. Describe a time when you identified a cost-saving opportunity.

This question assesses your ability to analyze costs and suggest improvements.

How to Answer

Share a specific example where your analysis led to cost savings, detailing the steps you took.

Example

“I identified a cost-saving opportunity by analyzing our supplier contracts. By renegotiating terms based on volume discounts, we saved 10% on procurement costs, which significantly impacted our overall budget.”

Interpersonal Skills

8. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

This question evaluates your conflict resolution skills and ability to work collaboratively.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to resolving conflicts, emphasizing communication and collaboration.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I focus on open communication. I encourage team members to express their viewpoints and facilitate a discussion to find common ground. This approach has helped us reach consensus and maintain a positive team dynamic.”

9. Can you give an example of how you’ve worked with cross-functional teams?

This question assesses your ability to collaborate with different departments.

How to Answer

Provide an example of a project where you worked with various teams, highlighting your role and contributions.

Example

“I collaborated with the marketing and supply chain teams on a product launch. By aligning our strategies and sharing insights, we successfully launched the product on time and exceeded our sales targets by 25%.”

10. What motivates you to work in the supply chain finance sector?

This question gauges your passion for the field and alignment with the company’s values.

How to Answer

Share your motivations and how they align with Adidas’ mission and culture.

Example

“I am motivated by the challenge of optimizing supply chain processes and contributing to a company that values innovation and teamwork. Adidas’ commitment to sustainability and efficiency resonates with my personal values, making this role particularly appealing to me.”