Brand Manager - Sports

We are working with a long-standing client of many years — a highly entrepreneurial, creatively led sportswear and streetwear brand house — as they continue to expand and strengthen their teams across the UK and Europe. This is a financially strong, cash‑positive business with a long‑term mindset. The leadership team is down‑to‑earth, collaborative, and people‑focused, with a proven track record of investing in talent and building long‑term careers. The culture is fast‑moving and creative, but commercially disciplined and grounded.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Head of Marketing, you will own the end‑to‑end brand strategy for multiple sport verticals, connecting cultural insight, athlete relationships, and consumer behaviour into authentic, high‑impact storytelling. This is a highly cross‑functional role, working closely with Brand Experience, Consumer Connection, E‑commerce, Sales, Merchandising, and Global teams to deliver a best‑in‑class sports brand offense.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead brand strategy and execution across key sport categories including training, running, basketball, and more
• Develop and drive annual and seasonal sports strategies aligned to local business opportunity, consumer needs, and cultural moments across key EU territories
• Translate consumer insights, product data, and market trends into relevant, resonant brand storytelling
• Manage and activate athlete and ambassador relationships in partnership with sports marketing and communications teams
• Play a leading role in growing the sports network and ecosystem across the UK and Europe
• Collaborate with Brand Experience and Consumer Connection teams to drive daily consumer engagement across physical and digital touchpoints
• Act as the key brand contact for E‑commerce, ensuring brand stories and product priorities come to life online with authenticity and innovation
• Partner closely with Sales and Merchandising to align on seasonal plans and maximise impact at retail and online
• Represent brand strategy, storytelling, and seasonal priorities in key meetings with partners and accounts
• Work with account marketing teams to develop bespoke activation plans tailored to each business partner
• Collaborate with Global and U.S. teams to localise and integrate global campaigns while maintaining a consistent and powerful brand presence
• Partner with creative, PR, and digital teams to deliver holistic, 360‑degree campaigns across owned and earned channels
• Drive community and grassroots engagement, ensuring the brand resonates beyond elite sport into local culture and movements

Experience & Skills

• 5–8 years’ experience in brand management, marketing, or partnerships, ideally within sports, fitness, or a related industry
• Strong industry network and understanding of the sports ecosystem, from elite athletes to community‑led movements
• Proven ability to translate cultural and consumer insights into effective brand and marketing strategies
• Track record of delivering successful product launches, brand moments, and integrated campaigns
• Experience working cross‑functionally with Sales, Merchandising, E‑commerce, and Global teams
• Deep passion for sport, culture, and storytelling
• Strong communication, presentation, and organisational skills
• Comfortable navigating complexity, managing multiple projects, and influencing across teams

Why Join?

• Financially strong, growing business with a long‑term employment mindset
• Entrepreneurial, creative environment with low ego and high collaboration
• Leadership team known for being supportive, approachable, and commercially sharp
• Opportunity to shape and scale sports brand strategy across UK and Europe
• Excellent salary, annual bonus, and perks.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Marketing, Product Management, and Public Relations

Industries: Retail Apparel and Fashion, Sporting Goods Manufacturing, and Wellness and Fitness Services