Purpose \& Overall Relevance For The Organization
To maintain and grow a market-leading, diverse portfolio of partners, athletes, clubs, and federations that support adidas brand and category objectives. This role identifies and activates the right partnerships at key cultural and sporting moments to tell compelling product and brand stories—positioning adidas as the top-of-mind performance brand in the New Zealand market.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the development and execution of the local Sports Marketing Plan in line with business objectives and global Sports Marketing strategy
Identify market opportunities aligned to Brand objectives and collaborate with Brand Comms to bring them to life across New Zealand
Build strategic recommendations for, and manage, a diverse partner portfolio that supports key categories and commercial priorities
Oversee local strategy, access, and execution of the NZR partnership across the Pacific Market
Ensure all partners consistently reflect adidas brand positioning both on and off the sporting landscape
Manage contract negotiations in line with budget parameters, market value, and strategic priorities
Ensure all Sports Marketing contracts and operations comply with global Sports Marketing Policy
Integrate local partners into key brand initiatives and campaigns
Develop and deliver best-in-class leveraging plans to maximise partner and brand impact
Lead, coach, and develop the Sports Marketing team, ensuring alignment to objectives and effective workload management
Own and manage the local partner budget
Supervise all local partner-related activities in close collaboration with the Brand team
Execute a cross-category leveraging approach across the Sports Marketing portfolio
Deliver industry-leading day-to-day service to contracted partners
Build and maintain strong relationships with key industry stakeholders
Ensure teams and partners wear and represent adidas products in line with Brand Plans, reinforcing adidas as the leading performance brand
Provide on-the-ground support for ad hoc Sports Marketing activity as required
Key Relationships
Local: Brand Marketing, CTC, Digital, Customer Service, Sales, Finance, Supply Chain
Global: Sports Marketing, adidas Rugby BU
External: Athletes, Teams, Federations, Agents
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Strong negotiation and commercial decision-making skills
Strategic marketing experience with excellent interpersonal and influencing capabilities
Deep understanding of the New Zealand sporting landscape
Established relationships within the sports industry
Proven Sports Marketing experience
Ability to work at pace, multitask, and manage competing priorities
Strong planning and strategic development skills
High level of commercial and business acumen within sports marketing
Requisite Education And Experience / Minimum Qualifications
University degree in Marketing or a related field
Minimum 5 years’ experience in the sports marketing industry
Established industry network with demonstrated stakeholder management success
adidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an equal opportunity employer.