About the Role
The Head of Commercial and Marketing is a key leadership role responsible for the commercial success and brand visibility of the organisation. This position requires a dynamic and strategic professional with a track record in commercial development, marketing, and brand management.
The successful candidate will lead the development and execution of commercial strategies, ensuring revenue growth, effective marketing campaigns, and the enhancement of the organisation's overall brand presence.
Key Responsibilities
1. Commercial Strategy:
• Develop and implement comprehensive commercial strategies to drive revenue growth and achieve financial targets.
• Identify and capitalise on new business opportunities, partnerships, and revenue streams.
2. Marketing and Brand Management:
• Lead the development and execution of the organisation's marketing plans and campaigns.
• Manage and enhance the overall brand image and visibility, ensuring consistency across all channels.
3. Sponsorship and Partnership Development:
• Build and maintain relationships with sponsors, partners, and key stakeholders to secure strategic commercial collaborations.
• Negotiate and finalise sponsorship agreements, ensuring mutual benefit and brand alignment.
4. Market Research and Analysis:
• Conduct market research to identify trends, competitor activities, and consumer preferences.
• Utilise data and insights to inform commercial and marketing strategies.
5. Digital Marketing and Social Media:
• Oversee digital marketing initiatives and social media presence to enhance brand engagement and reach.
• Implement innovative digital marketing campaigns to target key demographics.
Key Relationships
The postholder will be expected to support the management of mutually beneficial commercial and marketing strategies with the National Governing Bodies: the British Softball Federation, the British Baseball Federation; with partners including UK Sport, Sport England, Major League Baseball, the British Olympic Association, the Mayor of London’s Office; and with the Board, Senior Leadership Team and wider staff. Additional Responsibilities as a Member of Staff As a member of the staff team, the role will be expected to be prepared to contribute across a wide range of activities, accepting collective and individual responsibility, where needed and necessary.
At times, this may include becoming involved with regional work, directly delivering development or sports activities or working upwards to shape the strategic direction of the organisation. All staff are expected to be organised and administratively sound, assisting others where necessary.
The activity that a staff member could become involved in includes:
• Setting strategic direction for the development of baseball and softball;
• Identifying initiatives and overseeing strategic planning and implementation;
• Raising public awareness of sporting opportunities and promoting participation in baseball and softball;
• Evaluating and monitoring activities and projects using performance indicators, including maintaining records and producing written reports;
• Attending local, regional and national meetings, seminars and conferences;
• Liaising with clubs and leagues to develop best practice in a range of areas;
• Managing resources and a budget and identifying potential opportunities for external funding;
• Maintaining links with county, regional and national sporting representatives;
• Working within specific guidelines, e.g. equal opportunities, health and safety, child protection;
• Providing technical and general articles for BSUK media as requested;
• Incorporating Equity and Child Protection into development delivery and ensuring relevant actions and targets are met;
• Offering event organisation, coaching, organisation and administration support across the organisation and the sports when appropriate and / or needed.
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post-holder may be required to undertake other duties broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Role Requirements Experience
An extensive and successful track record in managing and developing high quality partnerships on behalf of a sports or entertainment rights holder. Demonstrable success developing and executing marketing strategies. Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing and motivating high-performing teams. Ability to inspire creativity and innovation within the organisation.
Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining successful partnerships with sponsors, stakeholders, and external collaborators. Experience in developing and executing commercial and marketing strategies on an international scale. Advanced knowledge of digital marketing tools, platforms, and trends. Knowledge Solid understanding of brand management principles and experience in maintaining a consistent brand image across various platforms.
Excellent technical knowledge of the partnerships and licensing space as well as emerging trends. Skills An ability to manage and build strong relationships with Heads of and Director level executives. A strong marketing mindset that understands the challenges of our partners and can clearly demonstrate how baseball/softball can help provide solutions. An ability to help unearth new commercial opportunities and support with structuring rights proposals that drive maximum value.
Excellent communication, negotiation and decision-making skills. Problem solver, making good decisions with a ‘can do’ attitude. Ability to work flexibly, under pressure, adapting to changing situations. A creative thinker with the tenacity and confidence to see things through to implementation and completion. Ability to bring innovative and creative ideas to commercial and marketing strategies.
Excellent networking skills to foster positive relationships with key stakeholders and industry influencers. Other A leader who can effectively develop other people's areas of work. A team player, who can work well as a member of the staff team. Organised and delivery focused - able to deliver against targets, based on a sound prioritisation of time and resource, with a heavy workload.
Honesty and diplomacy in working with others. Reliable and accountable. A motivator of others. Modern, enlightened and embracing of diversity. Willingness and ability to work a flexible working week including unsociable hours (evenings and some weekends) Genuine passion for sports and a commitment to the positive impact of sports development on individuals and communities.
