Sports Marketing Manager, UK Football Clubs

Who We Are: 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.

JOB MISSION: 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. Applicants must be based in London, as this role is based in our London office.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• 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.

KEY REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• 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)

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. If you have not already done so, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.