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.