Head of Umbro in Manchester

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

Commercially accountable for the overall performance of Umbro‑branded Pro Sports Teams as well the development of new business for the Umbro brand. Key stakeholder relationship management both internally and externally are critical to this role, alongside the management of contract delivery, critical path, GOK and Team deliveries and rights management. Where applicable, you will work with other key departments to shape retail offerings and drive Commercial growth online and offline. Demonstrating the ability to foster and maintain strong relationships while possessing very strong organisational & management skills are fundamental to the position. This role requires the leadership and management of the day‑to‑day account managers who you will set commercial KPIs for and support with those goals. These will be for both the Team commercial performance, but also key partners of assets where incremental sales can be identified.

Responsibilities

• Ultimately accountable for the allocated assets (+ future assets where applicable) contract management and delivery.
• Work closely with GLD & Iconix to build relationship and ways of working to enhance the relationship.
• Set and drive the commercial strategy for each Team and track their commercial performance.
• Work with the Chief Commercial Officer to identify and deliver new business opportunities.
• Key relationship management of key stakeholders at commercial Teams.
• Management of the departments Commercial Team Managers and their supporting Teams.
• Overall accountability of the product development critical path.
• Drive additional sales opportunities, such as teamwear, via affiliated programmes and asset avenues.
• Set and manage commercial and activation budgets for the department.
• Responsible for generating incremental revenue streams through Commercial Team assets respective partner portfolios.
• Responsible for the relationship with the wholesale teams to ensure the provision of key information and associated materials to support licensed growth within wholesale accounts for respective/relevant Team.
• Frequent Internal and external reporting on key activity such as Team product retail sell through, re‑buy sales and overall sponsored asset and total sport performance.

Skills & Experience

• Commercial strategic planning experience is essential with a track record of being able to create and implement a multi channel commercial strategy in the sporting industry that delivers growth.
• A deep understanding of the teamwear and teamsports industry.
• A proven ability to deliver outstanding commercial results both personally and through management & leadership of a team.
• Experience in creating and delivering marketing tools and campaigns with a goal to deliver awareness, lead generation and conversion.
• Demonstration of the ability to communicate effectively and with confidence & credibility with a broad range of stakeholders across all levels up to and including C‑Suite both internally and externally.
• Ability to bring focus and structure to a team with clearly aligned goals and objectives which are aligned to those of the organisation.
• Outstanding ability to uncover stakeholder needs and match solutions with these needs that creates value for both parties.

Personal Qualities

• A passion for coaching and developing individuals and teams.
• A passion for delivering first class customer service.
• A passion for teamsports and desire to understand the needs of consumers and customers within the teamwear market.
• Requires excellent interpersonal skills, must be approachable, personable with a positive attitude, willing to help and provide support as needed.
• Excellent communicator with an ability to present complex ideas in a simple to understand manner clearly, concisely, and accurately to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Able to make decisions on work issues that impact the successful completion of tasks.
• Ability to analyse data, insights and trends and use as a basis to solve problems.
• Flexible approach and willingness to further learn.
• Have a Better Never Stops Attitude.
• Passion for the brand.

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.