Retail Partnerships Executive

Working at the RFU means being part of the ‘bigger picture’ at England Rugby: to be rooted in our purpose, which is to enrich lives, introduce more people to rugby union & develop the sport for future generations. If our purpose resonates with you, and you recognise the value that sport can bring to people’s lives, we’d love to work with you.

An opportunity has arisen for a Retail Partnerships Executive to join our Commercial Partnerships team on a 2-year Fixed Term basis.

The England Rugby Retail & Licensing Programme currently generates significant commercial revenue for England Rugby and is an integral component of our investment back into the game to fulfil our core purpose. The Retail Partnerships Executive will support the Retail Partnerships Manager and wider partnerships team in the management and delivery of the England Rugby Retail programme, including product approvals across partners such as Castore, Fanatics, Charles Tyrwhitt and Gilbert and working with our partners and licensees to approve and distribute marketing content to promote our products and services.

The role’s focus is to support the growth of merchandise revenue and enhance fan experience both digitally and physically across the official retail business (online, store & event retail) and wider distribution into the retail marketplace. This is an exciting opportunity to play a crucial role in delivering the Retail & Licensing strategy to drive revenue growth and brand awareness.

Some key responsibilities include:

• Provide executive support across key Commercial Partnership accounts including Castore, Fanatics, Charles Tyrwhitt and Gilbert and wider licensing programme.
• Responsible for the approvals process as part of all England Rugby consumer products development including CAD design approvals, sample management and product packaging development.
• Acting as the commercial brand guardian across product and product marketing.
• Assist with the execution of Retail & Licensing partner and licensee marketing plans: managing content and asset approvals along with internal/external content distribution for channels such as website, social and CRM.
• Manage the England Rugby product approvals workflows and system.
• Attend and support commercial appearances as required by our Commercial Partners.
• Oversee and document all Retail & Licensing reports from partners and licensees including sales reports and royalty reporting.
• As required support with general team administration including but not limited to taking meeting notes and managing status documents.
• Actively collaborate with colleagues to contribute to the development and delivery of the current strategic, business and operational plans.
• Act as an ambassador for, and promote the best interests of the RFU, including the promotion of our culture and core values – This Rose Means Everyone: Put the Team First, Shape the Future, Respect Each Other.
• Undertake other duties as may be required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the post and the needs of the organisation.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

The skills and attributes outlined in this description are not exhaustive and we welcome candidates who can bring different relevant experiences to the role.

• Understanding and experience of the product development process and brand guideline materials.
• Good communicator with strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with an ability to communicate confidently to varying levels of stakeholders.
• Understanding and experience of product approvals workflows and systems.
• Ability to use Microsoft office to a high standard.
• High adaptability and capacity for managing multiple tasks simultaneously while delivering under pressure.
• Attention to detail and strong organisational skills are imperative.
• Committed to embodying the ethos of our culture by using our three core values – Put the Team First, Shape the Future, Respect Each Other – to guide your day-to-day decisions, actions and interactions.
• Committed to actively contributing and building an inclusive culture in your role and day to day behaviours.
• Educated to degree, or equivalent, level within a relevant subject area.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If there is anything we could do to support you through your application or to provide the best environment for your interviews, including assistance or adjustment, please reach out to recruitment.