Action Sports Marketing Manager at Ares Holdings

Job Summary:

As the VANS Action Sports Marketing Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing and driving the strategic development and execution of action sports initiatives for the VANS brand. This role requires a deep understanding and passion for action sports, including skateboarding, surfing and BMX, as well as knowledge of the action sports industry landscape. You will collaborate with internal teams, athletes, partners, and industry influencers to develop and implement innovative programs and events that strengthen the VANS brand within the action sports community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Action Sports Strategy: Develop and execute comprehensive action sports strategies that align with the VANS brand vision and objectives, ensuring a strong presence and engagement within the action sports community.
• Athlete and Team Management: Identify and recruit talented athletes and action sports teams to represent the VANS brand. Build and maintain relationships with sponsored athletes, providing support, and fostering brand loyalty.
• Event Planning and Execution: Conceptualize, plan, and execute action sports events, competitions, and activations that showcase the VANS brand and resonate with the action sports community. Coordinate logistics, budgets, sponsorship activations, and participant experiences.
• Partnerships and Collaborations: Identify and pursue strategic partnerships and collaborations with key industry influencers, organizations, and brands to enhance the VANS brand presence in the action sports space.
• Content Creation: Work closely with the marketing and creative teams to develop action sports-focused content, including videos, photos, and social media campaigns, that amplifies the brand's connection to action sports and engages the target audience.
• Brand Ambassador Programs: Develop and manage brand ambassador programs, fostering relationships with influential figures in the action sports community who align with the VANS brand values.
• Trend Analysis: Stay abreast of the latest trends, innovations, and developments in the action sports industry, identifying opportunities to leverage for brand initiatives and partnerships.
• Budget Management: Manage the action sports budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and maximizing return on investment.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with internal teams, including marketing, product, and retail, to align action sports initiatives with broader brand strategies and ensure a cohesive brand experience across all touchpoints.
• Measurement and Reporting: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to evaluate the success of action sports programs and events. Provide regular reports on performance and make data-driven recommendations for future improvements.

AD Hoc duties:

• Respond to emails and office correspondence
• Keep work area clean and tidy
• Support the mission, vision and core values of the company
• Meet prescribed deadlines and targets
• Professional interaction and liaison with customers, suppliers and employees at all times
• Any other reasonable and lawful ad hoc tasks or duties that may be required from time to time.

Qualifications:

• Grade 12
• Post Graduate Degree / Diploma.
• 3 – 5 Years of experience in action sports marketing management, brand marketing, or a related role, with a focus on skateboarding, surfing or BMX.
• Deep understanding and passion for action sports, with knowledge of the industry, athletes, events, and trends.
• Proven experience in planning and executing action sports events and activations, including athlete management and logistics coordination.
• Strong network and relationships within the action sports community, including athletes, influencers, and industry partners.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Creative thinking and ability to develop innovative action sports programs and partnerships that align with the VANS brand.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey the brand's message and value to athletes, partners, and stakeholders.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to measure and analyse data to evaluate the success of action sports initiatives and make data-driven recommendations.
• Budget management experience, with the ability to efficiently allocate resources and maximize ROI.
• Team player with excellent interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating cross-functionally and leading a team.
• Willingness to travel frequently to attend events, competitions, and industry conferences.