New Balance - Sports Marketing Manager, Football - Düsseldorf

JOB MISSION: 

The Sports Marketing Manager, Football position will serve in a pivotal growth role shaping the immediate and long-term future of Football sports marketing sponsorships in the local market.  

Working closely with cross-functional teams internally and externally, the role will focus on managing and supporting our football sponsorships in the local market.  

This role will be responsible for managing sponsored clubs and athletes while identifying future brand partnership opportunities aligned with global strategy. Building strong relationships with key club partners, athletes, agents, scouts, staff, and regional/local internal teams to drive maximum heat for the brand via existing and new sponsorship opportunities. Additional responsibilities include general B2B sponsorship management, operations and club athlete support.   

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

• Manage the club portfolio in local market including day to day relationship and serving as the primary point of contact for the business across functions.  

• Maximize ROI of partnerships across brand and against key commercial and marketing business objectives via collaboration with global, regional, and local teams.  

• Develop, foster, and maximize relationships within sponsored clubs as well as athletes, agents, and relevant sports industry leaders in the region. 

• Work closely with global product and marketing teams on development of seasonal plans. 

• Identify additional opportunities to grow brand presence within existing partnerships.   

• Support academy athlete strategy strengthening brand’s presence across sponsored clubs, working closely with athlete sports marketing. 

• Develop athlete strategy for market including identification, signing and servicing.  

• Attend matches, photo shoots, charitable activations, and other club-related events. 

• Manage all product- related topics and seeding initiatives: from order placement and servicing to budget allocation. 

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS: 

• Relevant number of years of progressive international experience working in the football industry with specialty focus on local market, general sports marketing, or major sports sponsorships in related field.  

• Existing football network within local market. 

• Commercial background is preferred.  

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to effectively manage teams internally and externally at varying levels of seniority. 

• Strong negotiation, organisational, and verbal/written presentation skills. 

• Strategic thinker, with proven analytical and problem-solving ability. 

• Self-motivated and entrepreneurial spirit with sense of urgency. 

• High level of executive presence and professionalism.  

• Passion for the sports industry and culture.  

• Ability to travel 25%+ (occasional nights/weekend required). 

• Fluent English and local market language. 

BENEFITS: 

• Discretionary Bonus Opportunity  

• Hybrid Working 

• Flexible Working Hours 

• Pension Scheme 

• 30 days Annual Leave per year 

• Deutschland Ticket 

• Sports subscription via Urban Sportsclub  

• Bicycle Lease Scheme 

• Employee Discount 

• Volunteering Opportunities via NB GivesBack 

• Learning & Development Opportunities 

• Flexibility to Work from Anywhere for up to four weeks per year 

• Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support)