Job Description

Purpose & overall relevance to the organisation:

• Overall responsibility, strategic, operational and holistic partner management within Sports Marketing Football.
• Responsible for sustainable development and growth of selected football partner(s) in Poland by establishing, growing and maintaining critical relationships.
• Analysis and strategic evaluation of selected football partner(s) in relation to brand targets and business relevance.
• Vision, creation and management of a set-up and framework that optimally addresses the specifications of partner(s).
• Ensuring best in class product development and on time product deliveries to serve our partners above market standards.
• Continuous development of the business with our key football partner(s) to grow market share and Net Sales and support the overall success of the category.
• Creating activation opportunities of existing and new football partner(s) by and in collaboration with other marketing and sales functions in adidas.
• Identifying new investment areas within football category and specifically around selected partner (s).
• Being the No1 point of contact for all topics related to at least one of our biggest football brand partners (internal and external stakeholders)

Responsibilities

• Understanding business and brand goals of the category/market and identifying how selected football partner(s) can help in achieving them.
• With the support of Senior Manager, establishing vision and ambition for partner(s) integration with adidas and it’s short-, mid-, and long-term development in the areas of brand and business opportunities.
• Defining products and collections promoted by the partner(s); in close collaboration with Go-To-Market Football, Brand Communications and Sales teams.
• Ownership of product planning, forecasting, tracking, product ordering to ensure on-time/in-full delivery of products to our Brand Partners at the right place and right time to support the business. 
• Driving opportunities with Global Sport Mktg, Merchandising Brand Comms, to activate assets at global platforms, and using new business opportunities nationally, internationally and globally.
• Designing and developing annual partner activation plan based on brand calendar, key product launches and consumer relevant moments (events, seasonality).
• Making use of activation of our partners and rights packages to promote adidas brand and key products.
• Developing business growth plan with the partner and our Sales team to develop a clear profitable growth journey for the football category and a halo effect on other business units (i.e. Lifestyle)
• As a brand ambassador, show and represent the brand with integrity, persuasive power and absolute professionalism.
• If necessary, responsible for the smooth and seamless Contract Approval process.
• Managing budget in line with the process, and in collaboration with finance and accounting.
• Accompanying the partner and being the No 1 point of contact onsite during national and international travels of the partner.

Main contacts:

• Local: Sports Marketing, Brand Communications, Omnichannel, Finance/Controlling, Legal, Sales, Accounting, GTM.
• Global: Sports Marketing of the respective Business Units/Categories, BUs, Legal.
• External: Partner(s), Agencies, Football network, sponsor family.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Deep understanding and knowledge of the football industry.
• Ability to think holistically and strategically about partner management.
• Business experience in Sales or product management to develop a growth plan with our partner.
• Very strong communication and presentation skills.
• Very strong interpersonal skills (including negotiation, influence, persuasiveness, relationship management, empathy, openness, flexibility).
• Mental flexibility and high level of creativity and ability to work in fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of data analysis, business planning and strategic planning/development.
• Fluent in English and Polish.
• Flexible in travel to accompany the partner several times a year on travel and national/international stages.

Required training and experience/minimum requirements:

• University degree in business administration with a focus on sports management.
• 5-8 years’ experience in Sports Marketing/Sponsoring/Product Marketing or Brand Communication.
• Work experience in the East Europe Sports Marketing scene will be additional benefit.
• Strong leadership capabilities.