Commerical Manager at MultiChoice

Purpose of the Position

The Commercial Manager: SS Schools is responsible for overseeing the commercial aspects of SuperSport Schools, including strategic analysis, partner relationships, rights management, and revenue generation. This role involves identifying company needs, managing relationships with partners, and ensuring compliance with legal standards such as POPIA. The Commercial Manager also oversees data and reporting, e-commerce initiatives, and provides support to partners.

Key Performance Objectives

Tasks

Strategic Analysis

• Conduct strategic analysis to identify opportunities for revenue growth and business development.
• Provide insights and recommendations to optimize commercial strategies.
• Identify potential risks and challenges that may impact the channel's commercial activities.
• Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of commercial initiatives and partnerships.

E-commerce

• Manage and enhance e-commerce initiatives to maximize revenue opportunities.
• Collaborate with the technology and marketing teams to optimize the e-commerce platform.
• Ensure that the e-commerce platform is optimized for mobile devices to accommodate users accessing the site from smartphones and tablets.
• Develop cross-channel promotional campaigns that integrate e-commerce offerings with traditional broadcasting and marketing initiatives.

Partnership Development

• Identify and address company needs related to commercial operations, partnerships, and revenue generation.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure commercial strategies meet organizational objectives.
• Identify and establish partnerships with businesses, brands, and organizations interested in sponsoring or advertising on the SuperSport Schools channel.
• Negotiate and finalize partnership agreements to maximize revenue and mutual benefits.Proactively manage contract renewals, negotiations, and extensions with content providers, sponsors, and advertisers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing sponsors and advertisers.
• Serve as the main point of contact for commercial partners, addressing their needs and ensuring a positive and collaborative experience.

Rights Management

• Manage rights related to schools, federations, festivals/events, and content.
• Ensure compliance with legal standards, including POPIA, in all rights management activities.
• Implement strategies to protect the intellectual property of the channel, including preventing unauthorized use of its content or brand assets.
• Negotiate rebroadcasting rights for recorded events to maximize viewership and revenue opportunities.

Reporting and advertising fulfillment

• Create and implement effective advertising sales strategies to attract advertisers targeting the school sports demographic.
• Work closely with the marketing team to develop compelling advertising packages and promotional opportunities.
• Oversee reporting and advertising fulfilment to meet partner expectations and contractual agreements.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting on commercial performance.

Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with internal teams, including content producers, marketing, and operations, to align commercial strategies with overall channel objectives.
• Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams to integrate commercial initiatives into broader channel campaigns.
• Collaborate with the finance department to ensure proper budget management, financial reporting, and alignment of financial goals with commercial strategies.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in relevant field
• MBA advantageous

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the sports industry, demonstrating a deep understanding of commercial operations.
• Proven experience in commercial management, partnership development, or advertising sales, preferably in the media or sports industry.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically to drive revenue growth.
• Familiarity with school sports and an understanding of the target audience is advantageous.

Technical Competencies

• Commercial Strategy Development
• Partnership Management
• Data Analysis and Reporting
• Project Management
• Financial Management/Budgeting
• Contract Management

Behavioral Competencies

• Effective Communication
• Strategic Thinking
• Stakeholder Collaboration
• Relationship Building
• Conflict Resolution
• Decision Making
• Critical Appraisal
• Holistic Thinking
• Persuading & Influence
• Coaching