At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the retail and licensing programme for England Rugby, driving growth and innovation.
- Company: Join the Rugby Football Union, the heart of rugby in England.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities to shape the future of rugby.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a beloved sport while developing your career in a vibrant industry.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in retail or licensing, with strong commercial acumen and leadership skills.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to enriching lives through rugby.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is the national governing body for rugby union in England, responsible for growing and developing the game at every level. Its Retail & Licensing programme plays a key role in generating commercial revenue, connecting with new audiences, and reinvesting back into the sport to support its long-term growth.
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.
The RFU is looking for a Retail & Licensing Lead to set the strategic direction and oversee the performance of its retail and licensing programme. This is a senior role with full ownership of both strategy and delivery. You will be responsible for driving sustainable growth across retail channels, while leading and evolving the global licensing programme - identifying new opportunities to extend the England Rugby brand through high-quality partnerships and products.
With full profit and loss accountability, you will play a central role in how England Rugby develops its consumer product offering - working closely with internal teams and external partners to deliver commercial outcomes that support the wider game.
Key Responsibilities:- Own the strategic direction and commercial performance of the retail and licensing programme
- Lead and develop a team of retail and licensing specialists, fostering a high-performing environment
- Manage profit and loss, ensuring sustainable and profitable growth
- Develop and deliver the consumer product strategy across retail and licensing
- Build and manage senior relationships with licensees, retail partners and commercial stakeholders
- Provide senior leadership across key licensing partnerships, identifying new opportunities and collaborations
- Lead the development of licensed product ranges and partner activity, from concept through to launch
- Ensure consistent and high-quality use of the England Rugby brand across all licensed products
- Oversee retail performance across ecommerce, partners and matchday operations
- Work closely with marketing, digital and finance teams to align activity and performance
- Experience in a senior retail or licensing role, with strong knowledge of brand licensing and ecommerce
- Track record of managing commercial partnerships and driving revenue growth
- Experience developing licensing programmes or working with licensed products
- Strong commercial and financial understanding, including profit and loss responsibility
- Ability to identify and develop new business opportunities and partnerships
- Experience leading teams and delivering through both internal and external resources
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environment
- Interest in sport or consumer-facing brands is beneficial
If you are looking for a role where you can take ownership of a high-impact commercial programme and shape how a leading sports brand grows its retail and licensing presence, click the apply button to be considered.
Retail & Licensing Lead in Slough employer: England Rugby
Contact Detail:
England Rugby Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail & Licensing Lead in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the rugby and retail industries. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for rugby! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for the sport shine through. Share your ideas on how to grow the game and connect with audiences – it’ll make you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the RFU’s current retail and licensing strategies, and think about how you can contribute. Have some solid examples ready that showcase your experience in managing commercial partnerships and driving revenue growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and keen to be part of the RFU team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail & Licensing Lead in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Rugby: When writing your application, let your love for rugby shine through! We want to see how you connect with the sport and its values. Share any personal experiences or insights that highlight why you're excited about this role at the RFU.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored specifically for the Retail & Licensing Lead position. Highlight relevant experience in retail and licensing, and don’t forget to mention any successful partnerships you've managed. We want to see how you can contribute to our goals!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the heart of your skills and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the RFU team!
How to prepare for a job interview at England Rugby
✨Know Your Rugby
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of rugby and the RFU's role in promoting the sport. Understanding the brand and its values will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare to discuss your experience with profit and loss management, as well as any successful strategies you've implemented in previous roles. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've driven revenue growth in retail or licensing.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, think about your leadership style and be prepared to share examples of how you've developed high-performing teams in the past. Highlight your ability to manage relationships with stakeholders and partners.
✨Align with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with the RFU's mission to enrich lives through rugby. During the interview, express how your personal values align with their purpose and how you can contribute to the long-term growth of the sport.