Head of Marketing - Pro-Sport

Castore exists for one single reason – to make athletes better. Our ethos is built upon the philosophy of BETTER NEVER STOPS, an ideal deeply infused in our DNA and something we strive to live every single day. We utilise advanced engineering and unique technical fabrics to create the highest quality sportswear in the world for athletes who demand the very best. Designed with a passion for innovation with specialist features to help to optimise athletic performance in all conditions. The founders’ vision is to build Castore into a brand respected across the globe for a deep and unrelenting commitment to engineering the highest quality sportswear in the world, with no stone left unturned in its search for innovation and performance enhancement. The sportswear market has been dominated by a small clique of mass-market brands and the vision is for Castore to be a premium alternative to these, the natural brand of choice for discerning athletes who demand the very best.

The Role Supporting the Marketing Director, the Head of Marketing – Pro Sport will define, drive and deliver key Marketing activations across Castore’s licensed portfolio, including: key replica and training wear launches; seasonal retail launches; and executing Mainline Brand and Marketing campaigns with sponsored Teams & Athletes. The role will lead marketing activations across all relevant areas of the athlete portfolio and all Pro Sport and Motorsport partnerships and sponsorships. This role will work alongside supporting the Sports Marketing department to deliver key Marketing activity across but not limited to the following ECB; F1; Football; Rugby. Crucial to the role is fostering and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders internally and externally, across both Partnerships and Marketing Teams. This will include the management of two direct reports, the Pro Sport marketing manager and executive. Developing, training and supporting direct reports, setting best practice and ensuring a positive working environment is maintained will be key. The Head of Marketing Pro Sports will demonstrate excellent interpersonal, collaborative and negotiation skills with the ability to build relationships and assert authority at all levels of the organisation and with external partners/agents. Ultimately, the Head of Marketing - Pro Sports will deliver key Marketing activities and campaigns to achieve partnership, business commercial and brand marketing goals ensuring all Partnership rights are utilised to build brand awareness and visibility. The brief – to sweat our assets!

Responsibilities Core:

• Maximising SPOMA assets / rights
• Athlete management; athlete activation and relationship management
• Motorsport partner management
• Activate key moments
• Prosport partner management
• Kit launch asset brief; creation and production
• European Pro Sport Team Management
• Manage and deliver all key Marketing activity for allocated Castore partners
• Develop and deliver a seasonal Retail & Marketing activation plan for allocated sponsored Teams focusing on key product drops throughout the season/year.
• Manage assigned budgets for allocated sponsored assets, partnerships
• Be the main point of contact for all allocated Teams Marketing activity, both internally and externally.
• Support with key Mainline Brand Marketing activity across strategic sponsored Teams.

Day-to-Day:

• Manage external and in-house Teams, including x2 direct reports, to drive both in-store and online product launches including; Replica, training wear, leisure, lifestyle and accessories collections.
• Deliver Brand or Retail Marketing campaigns via contracted partnership Marketing inventory.
• Work with external agencies, and in-house Teams to brief, develop and execute the Marketing activity or in-store/online launches.
• Own external agency, and in-house Teams relationships to deliver social media activation and contracted sponsorship rights.
• Work closely with internal digital team to provide relevant content and updates.
• Provide key Marketing support during vital moments in the sporting calendar, such as: key sporting fixtures, important sell-in periods, and brand collaborations.
• Travel to/regular contact with allocated sponsored Teams/Assets to maintain effective relationships and deliver retail activity/solutions.
• Deliver regular content to feed into Castore social channels.

Reporting:

• Provide regular internal updates on Pro Sport marketing status across all Marketing activations and launches, across the Castore portfolio including sharing launch dates, sell-through and wrap ups of campaign success.
• Regular reporting & tracking on budget status with pipeline of spend/activity.

Skills & Experience:

• You will be experienced within a Marketing environment/function, currently working at an equivalent level or looking to take the next step in your career.
• Preferably, you’ll have experience in the sporting environment industry with key account management.
• Educated to degree level, or equivalent experience.
• Capability to work independently.
• A passion for sport.
• Flexibility to travel and to work evenings and weekends when required.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to develop and build effective relationships – team player.
• Positive can-do attitude with initiative.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive and can capitalise on commercial opportunities.
• Excellent organisational and analytical skills.
• Understanding of key Marketing functions.
• Availability to travel as required from the business.
• Marketing experience with key account or partner management experience.
• Experience in offline events/activations & photoshoots.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Modern city centre offices in Manchester
• An opportunity to work with global sporting partners
• Office breakout space with pool tables, dart board and TV’s
• A chance to build a career with a fast-paced, high growth brand
• Employee assistance programme
• Generous staff discount