Applying from the UK click here
Applying from Ireland click here
OVERVIEW
We are looking for a highly-motivated and experienced Marketing Manager, specialising in Brand & Events, to lead integrated marketing campaigns; oversee the protection, development and promotion of the Lions brand; and manage the planning and delivery of key live events – working collaboratively across marketing, communications, digital, commercial and operational teams.
This is a hands-on role, in a small, collaborative, and passionate team environment, working at both strategic and operational levels, requiring a candidate with proven experience in marketing, brand leadership, and event management.
This is a key, new appointment within the DMC (Digital, Marketing & Communications) team working on both the established Lions Men’s Tour and the inaugural Lions Women’s Tour. It is an exciting and unique opportunity to contribute to one of the most prestigious brands in world sport, ensuring that every fan touchpoint is executed with excellence and that the Lions experience reaches diverse audiences across multiple channels and geographies.
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES
Marketing & Brand
Work with brand and design agencies to produce compelling creative campaigns, assets, and toolkits.
Act as brand guardian and ensure consistency and promotion of the Lions brand across all touchpoints, working with internal and external stakeholders, partners, and suppliers, with a particular focus across owned channels, merchandise, licensed products, partner-led campaigns, and events.
In collaboration with the DMC team, develop and deliver integrated multi-channel marketing campaigns across digital, print, PR, OOH, and experiential platforms, to maximise reach, growth, diversity, and engagement.
Manage marketing calendars and timelines to ensure seamless execution.
Support the promotion of merchandise, tickets, hospitality, and travel packages in collaboration with the wider Lions ecosystem such as Lions Rugby Travel and Lions Rugby Store.
Support the Head of Marketing in delivering new brand collaborations and partnerships.
Collaborate with our partners to ensure first-class delivery of rights and that campaigns align with the overarching Lions marketing strategy.
Manage and maximise usage of brand assets, such as silverware and mascots.
Develop and maximise on the ground activations to bring the brand to life and increase fan awareness.
Working with the Social Media Manager, develop and deliver our influencer programme.
Events
Lead the planning and execution of official Lions events, ranging from announcements, launches and partner activity, to celebrations, fan zones and matchday activations, across UK, Ireland, and in some cases host nations.
Collaborate and manage relationships with suppliers, venues, unions, local authorities, creative and event agencies, commercial and charity partners, and in-house teams to deliver best-in-class experiences for fans and stakeholders, ensuring exceptional delivery, where contractual rights are fulfilled, revenue potential is maximised, and activations are on-brand, engaging, and exceed expectations.
Manage event budgets, timelines, staffing, supplier contracts, and risk assessments.
Oversee on-site execution, troubleshooting any issues and ensuring premium experience.
Appoint and manage an agency to deliver major events such as live squad announcements or pre-Tour matchdays. (Note this role is not responsible for delivering on-Tour matchdays.)
General
Support the Head of Marketing on any other initiatives as required that align with our key marketing pillars and KPIs.
Monitor, analyse and report on KPIs, using insights to drive continuous improvement
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Essential
5+ years’ experience in marketing, event management, and/or brand activation, ideally within sport or entertainment industries.
3+ years’ management experience.
Proven track record of managing large-scale campaigns and/or live events.
Experience of managing a brand and leading creative development with designers.
Excellent project management and organisational skills.
Strong stakeholder management and communication abilities.
Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
An impeccable eye for detail.
A collaborative team player who is equally able to work autonomously, demonstrating initiative, proactivity, and decision-making abilities.
Desirable
Experience working in rugby, major sports events, or tours.
Experience of working in women’s sport.
Experience of working with influencers.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Reports to: Head of Marketing
Contract: Full-time; permanent
Location: Flexible within UK or Ireland.
If the successful candidate is based in Ireland, they will work from Dublin HQ on a hybrid basis with travel to the UK and internationally as required.
If the successful candidate is based in the UK they will work primarily from home with regular visits to London and Dublin, alongside travel elsewhere in the UK and internationally as required.
Commencement: As soon as possible
