Manager, Sponsorship Marketing

Department Overview:

The Sports + Entertainment team is an award-winning division of WPP Media. Our mission is to help brands connect with consumers through their favourite passions.  Being part of the world’s leading integrated communication agency, the division combines the most comprehensive consumer and brand insight with intrinsic knowledge of the media and cultural landscape to help our clients achieve their business and brand objectives. Our strategic, data-led solutions help activate brands through one of or a combination of the following marketing functions;

• Sponsorship Marketing
• Media Integrations and Partnerships
• Influencer Marketing
• Content Marketing
• XM

Sponsorship Marketing is an important function within the value proposition of the Sports + Entertainment team. We ensure our client’s sponsorship activities are impactful, accountable and aligned with their wider communications objectives to drive maximum success and efficiency.  Our full suite of services supports the entire sponsorship lifecycle, including (but not limited to);   

• Sponsorship Strategy
• Account/Partner Management
• Project Management and Partnership Fulfilment
• Sponsorship Evaluation and Negotiations
• Ambassador Relations
• Measurement

Role Overview:

The Manager, Sponsorship Marketing – WPP Media Sports + Entertainment will lead the work output and own the relationship with a selection of WPP clients. This position provides day-to-day management of all aspects related to the sponsorship portfolio of their respective clients and acts as a key representative of the client with stakeholders that include internal media planning team, cross-functional departments, sport and entertainment properties and third-party vendors.  This role requires close collaboration with the media planning team to ensure alignment to overall marketing objectives of the client and business objectives of WPP Media Sports + Entertainment.  As such, candidates should be familiar in all tenets of sponsorship marketing and be comfortable operating with ambiguity, while demonstrating strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They may also participate in various new business initiatives to drive the evolution and growth of our Canadian offering to existing and new clients. 

Required Skills and Behaviour: 

• Aptitude for critical thinking; demonstrated ability to think creatively and analytically 
• Experience with brand and/or account management
• Skilled problem-solver
• Ability to think creatively when developing strategic recommendations, considering client objectives and key insights

• Strong communicator both written and verbal.

• Exceptional Interpersonal skills; ability to navigate client and internal relationships with the ability to strategically influence others
• Entrepreneurial, self-starter mentality
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Experienced with PowerPoint - able to build creative and visually impactful slides. 

Key Accountabilities: 

Clients:

• Act as the day-to-day subject matter expert on all issues related to our client’s sponsorship portfolio:
  • Deeply understand the client’s business(es), sponsorship portfolio and ensure quality client service across workstreams.
  • Ability to develop and nurture relationships with client(s) and partners
  • Support the development of sponsorship marketing plans and the identification of KPIs / measurement plans.
  • Contribute to and apply brand strategy to all aspects of the client’s portfolio.
  • Responsible for the project management and fulfilment of client’s sponsorship assets including (but not limited to): media planning, XM programs, content development etc.
  • Responsible for developing measurements plans and reports re: sponsorship performance.
  • Contribute to strategic and creative POV in the develoment of programs initiated by client and/or partners
• Responsible for contributions to Sponsorship Strategy portfolio and new business including organic and new initiatives:

• Oversee and analyse ongoing sponsorship and market trends within sports, arts, entertainment and lifestyle. Translate the key insights and learnings into strategic and tailored client recommendations.
• Ability to identify opportunities for organic growth within client business ecosystem
• Review client media briefs and identify business solutions that relate to sport and entertainment marketing Identify strategic opportunities and develop initial concepts against key marketing and media initiatives

Team Approach:

• Contribute to foster a team culture which emphasizes excellence of delivery and focus on outcomes/results.
• Lead and inspire others.

• Participate in the recruitment and selection of staff as we grow.

• Work with senior leadership to build effective processes and a culture of high-performance within the team.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of total years of experience in brand, marketing, sports or sponsorship  
• Post-secondary degree with a focus on marketing and/or business
• Experience operating successfully in a complex multi-stakeholder environment
• Agency experience considered an asset

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP network to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.

We offer:

• Competitive medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Group retirement plans.
• Significant paid time off.
• Preferential partner discounts.
• Employee mental health awareness days.
• Frequent in-office events to celebrate wins, share thought leadership, and mark milestones.

We believe the best work happens when we’re together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That’s why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week.

Diversity & Inclusion

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

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Application Note: While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.