At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives to enhance brand partnerships and drive growth in sports marketing.
- Company: Join IMG, a global leader in sports marketing and entertainment.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible remote work, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for travel and collaboration across teams.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sports sponsorship and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: 8-12 years in sports sponsorship or brand strategy; strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 € per year.
Who We Are
IMG is a leading global sports marketing agency, specializing in media rights management and sales, multi-channel content production and distribution, brand partnerships, strategic consulting, digital services, and events management. It powers growth of revenues, fanbases and IP for more than 200 federations, associations, events, and teams, including the National Football League, English Premier League, International Olympic Committee, National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, ATP and WTA Tours, the AELTC (Wimbledon), Euroleague Basketball, CONMEBOL, DP World Tour, and The R&A, as well as UFC, WWE, and PBR.
Business Overview
IMG's brand partnerships business works across a variety of sports including tennis, golf, football and basketball, connecting brands with some of the most valuable properties in global sport. As this part of the business continues to scale, we’re building stronger strategic infrastructure underneath it. The Director, Strategy & Growth will sit within the Strategy & Growth team and focus on developing the frameworks, sector views, market intelligence, and intellectual capital that brand partnerships needs to keep scaling. The same infrastructure feeds into consulting mandates we run for external clients (brands & rights holders) on sponsorship strategy, commercial model design, and brand portfolio strategy.
Key Responsibilities And Accountabilities
- Build the strategic infrastructure brand partnerships needs to scale.
- Develop sector views (e.g., automotive, financial services, tech, luxury) that explain how brands in each category think about sport and where the opportunities sit.
- Lead consulting mandates in sponsorship strategy, commercial model design, and brand portfolio strategy.
- Win new consulting work in this space.
- Work alongside the brand partnerships team on the most complex commercial questions.
- Work with the data and insights team to build proper evidence around fan engagement, reach, and brand impact.
- Contribute to broader Strategy & Growth projects when brand or sponsorship expertise is useful.
Knowledge And Experience
- 8–12 years in sports sponsorship, brand strategy, or commercial strategy.
- Ideally a mix of advisory or consulting experience and operating experience on either the agency, brand, or rights‑holder side.
- A genuine understanding of how brands think about sport.
- Experience building sponsorship valuations, activation strategies, or commercial propositions for major sports properties or brands.
- Credibility with senior commercial people.
- Breadth across multiple sports, geographies, or brand categories.
Skills And Abilities
- You think about the bigger picture.
- Comfortable with numbers.
- Good communicator.
- Naturally collaborative.
- Genuinely interested in brands and sport.
- Can juggle multiple tasks.
- Understanding of media rights and how sponsorship and media strategies overlap.
- Experience with sponsorship measurement tools (e.g., Nielsen Sports, GumGum, Relo Metrics).
- Understanding of digital and social activation in sport.
- MBA preferred.
Working Conditions
This is a permanent position. This role can be based in IMG offices either in Chiswick Park, London, with some flexibility on remote working as appropriate. Working hours are 9:00 – 17:00, Monday to Friday. May be required to attend (and travel to) locations, including other IMG buildings and meetings. Unsocial hours may be required, as dictated by the demands of the business schedule.
Director, Strategy & Growth employer: TKO
IMG is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that thrives on collaboration and innovation in the heart of London. Employees benefit from a wealth of growth opportunities within a leading global sports marketing agency, where they can engage with iconic brands and properties while enjoying flexible working arrangements. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, IMG fosters an environment where every voice is valued, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the sports industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Strategy & Growth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the sports marketing world. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your knowledge of brand partnerships and sponsorship strategies. Share insights and ideas that demonstrate your understanding of the industry and how you can add value.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching IMG and its key players. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and partnerships. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your responses to show how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the IMG team. So, get your application in and let’s make some waves together!
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Strategy & Growth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director, Strategy & Growth role. Highlight your experience in sports sponsorship and brand strategy, and show us how your skills align with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of strategic thinking and data analysis, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've used numbers to drive decisions in past roles. We want to see your ability to build cases and present them effectively.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely interested in brands and sport, so share your thoughts on current trends or what excites you about the industry.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly 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 us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at TKO
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into IMG's brand partnerships and their impact on sports marketing. Familiarise yourself with recent projects and how they align with the role of Director, Strategy & Growth. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the company’s operations.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with sponsorship valuations and market intelligence. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Being comfortable with numbers is key, so be ready to explain your thought process behind any analytical work you've done.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your ideas succinctly. You’ll need to present complex strategies to senior audiences, so focus on clarity and confidence in your communication. Consider preparing a short pitch or presentation that demonstrates your ability to convey strategic insights effectively.
✨Build Relationships
This role is all about collaboration, so think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build relationships across teams. Share examples from your past where you’ve successfully worked with others to achieve a common goal, highlighting your collaborative spirit and interpersonal skills.
