Sports Marketing Manager

Sports Marketing Manager

Full-Time 40000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
New Balance

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage UK club partnerships and drive impactful marketing strategies in football.
  • Company: Join New Balance, a leader in sports innovation and culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private medical insurance, and 25 days annual leave.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and career growth.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of football marketing and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Experience in sports marketing and strong communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 55000 £ per year.

This role sits at the heart of our football strategy, where product, brand, and partnerships meet. You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the UK club portfolio, drive outstanding execution across key moments in the season, and build the relationships that keep New Balance culturally connected and competitively positioned.

Responsibilities

  • Own and manage the collection of UK clubs, serving as the primary day-to-day contact for relevant internal and external collaborators.
  • Deliver outstanding operational execution across partnerships, ensuring strong alignment with Brand, Product, Operations, and Commercial teams.
  • Manage critical paths and seasonal calendars to ensure timely delivery across product launches, activations, and key partnership moments.
  • Improve partnership value by working closely with global, regional, and local teams to drive both brand and commercial impact.
  • Build strong, trusted relationships with clubs, athletes, agents, and key industry partners.
  • Partner cross-functionally to ensure consistent, high-quality execution aligned to the broader global football strategy.
  • Lead product servicing and seeding for clubs and athletes, ensuring a premium and seamless experience.
  • Support player contract management and negotiations within agreed budgets and partnership frameworks.
  • Represent New Balance at matches, shoots, events, and key club activations.

Qualifications

  • Relevant years of experience in the football industry, ideally within sports marketing, partnerships, or sponsorship.
  • Strong existing network within the UK football landscape.
  • Proven experience running club and/or athlete partnerships.
  • Experience working within a matrix organization.
  • Proficient in English.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across all levels of seniority.
  • Strong negotiation, organization, and presentation skills.
  • Strong commercial instinct, with the ability to balance brand priorities and business outcomes.
  • Strategic thinker with a practical, results-focused approach.
  • Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership, accountability, and urgency.
  • High level of integrity and presence.
  • Genuine passion for football, sport, and culture.
  • Willingness to travel domestically (25%+), including occasional nights and weekends.

Benefits

  • Discretionary Bonus Opportunity
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • Dental Scheme
  • Pension Scheme
  • Flexible Working Hours
  • Hybrid working (3 days on-site)
  • 25 days Annual Leave per year
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Discount
  • Flexibility to work 20 days from anywhere each year
  • Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support)

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

Equal Opportunity Employer: New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment. We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.

Sports Marketing Manager employer: New Balance

New Balance is an exceptional employer that champions a vibrant work culture, fostering creativity and collaboration at the intersection of sport and marketing. With a commitment to employee well-being, we offer flexible working arrangements, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth within the dynamic football industry. Join us in shaping the future of sports marketing while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and innovation.

New Balance

Contact Details:

New Balance Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Sports Marketing Manager

Get Involved in Local Sports Communities

Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.

Leverage Internships and Volunteering

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Visit Sports Job Fairs

Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like New Balance. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!

Apply Through Our Website

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We think you need these skills to ace Sports Marketing Manager

Sports Marketing
Partnership Management
Relationship Building
Negotiation Skills
Project Management
Strategic Thinking
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.

Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!

Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!

Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining New Balance aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!

How to prepare for a job interview at New Balance

Highlight Your Passion for Sports

When chatting with New Balance, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.

Showcase Your Management Skills

This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.

Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.

Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration

In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.