Partnerships Account Manager - Rugby

Castore exists for one single reason – to make athletes better. Our ethos is built upon the philosophy of BETTER NEVER STOPS, an ideal deeply infused in our DNA and something we strive to live every single day. We utilise advanced engineering and unique technical fabrics to create the highest quality sportswear in the world for athletes who demand the very best. Designed with a passion for innovation with specialist features to help to optimise athletic performance in all conditions.

The founders’ vision is to build Castore into a brand respected across the globe for a deep and unrelenting commitment to engineering the highest quality sportswear in the world, with no stone left unturned in its search for innovation and performance enhancement.

The sportswear market has been dominated by a small clique of mass-market brands and the vision is for Castore to be a premium alternative to these, the natural brand of choice for discerning athletes who demand the very best.

What’s the Job?

Reporting into the the Head of Account Management, the ideal candidate will be responsible for the management and delivery of team partnerships leveraging all contractual rights to maximise partner ROI.

The Partnerships Account Manager will be the main day-to-day contact and relationship manager with their Rugby clubs for activation, marketing and account management purposes. They will also be tasked with maintaining a proactive relationship with their Rugby clubs, including regular updates, catch-ups and site visits.

What will I do?

Retail & activation:

Circulating launch calendars to the relevant teams internally, bringing key decision makers together and ensuring everyone is adhering to the dates. The launch calendars will be outlined by category management at the start of the critical path (c. 18 months in advance).

Building the activation plans to launch and sell the products according to the launch calendars.

Generating assets to support launches and product sales, working with the Creative team to arrange content sessions and organising for samples to be available ahead of time (e.g. kit shoots).

Owning and delivering the sponsorship rights, ensuring all rights are used by the end of the season towards achieving both financial and brand elevation targets.

Liaising with the clubs on a weekly basis to support planned marketing activities (e.g. emails, social posts, competitions, events) as well as reactive content to grow sales (e.g. leveraging results, players signings)

Responsible for putting together case studies after key activations, analysing the impact on data generation, sales, and ROI for the business (objectives, results, learnings).

Hosting weekly meetings with the relevant stakeholders to discuss intake phasing, asset creation, launch plans, etc.

Ensuring that Retail stock is available in-store to support the product launches

Recognise consumer trends and generate ideas for the commercial calendar (e.g. Black Friday, key Christmas)

Analysing partner mid/end of season reports (incl. media values) and presenting internal action plan for the following season

• Carry out regular competitor analysis and provide marketing performance reports to Senior Stakeholders suggesting ideas for improvement.
• Manage and coach direct reports (where relevant) ensuring to carry out regular one-to-one’s and encourage personal development.

Account management:

• Working alongside the supply chain, product development, design and merchandise teams, the Partnership Manager is responsible for ensuring the full delivery of the clubs’ critical paths so that deadlines are respected.

• Responsible for managing the gift of kit (VIK) process with their clubs.
• Responsible for keeping a clear audit trail for all sign offs of partner logos, fabrics, designs, ranges, etc.
• Responsible for keeping the clubs up to date with all matters relating to products, designs, orders, deliveries, etc.
• Activation
• Responsible for delivering contracted partnership rights with your clubs, ensuring these are maximised and generate ROI.
• Responsible for putting together tailored activation plans for your clubs which need to be leveraged across all Castore channels.
• Responsible for putting together case studies after key activations analysing the impact on data generation and sales when relevant, working together with the digital team.
• Analysing partner mid/end of season reports (incl. media values) and presenting internal action plan for the following season
• Supporting the Head of account Management with business development tasks (market research, lead generation, cold calling, etc.)
• Internal alignment with brand & marketing team on storytelling and campaign delivery
• Keeping up with industry trends and standards, with being innovative at the forefront your thinking.

What skills and qualities will I need?

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Previous experience within the Partnerships or the sports sector (desirable)
• Commercially minded and an ability to understand business needs
• Attention to detail with the ability to maintain high level of accuracy with a high workload
• Strong communication & interpersonal skills
• Ability to adapt to change and new ways of working
• Organisationally proficient and able to develop efficient processes for working
• Passion for rugby and genuine interest in the sport
• Better Never Stops attitude

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Modern city centre offices in Manchester
• An opportunity to work with global sporting partners
• Office and breakout space with pool tables, dart board and TVs
• A chance to build a career with a fast paced, high growth brand