Principal Acquisitions Specialist at MultiChoice

Key Performance Objectives

Tasks

Contracts Administration

• Ensure all SuperSport obligations within the rights agreements are delivered upon
• Liaise with Executives, HOD’s and Managers to facilitate prompt issuing, renewal, and approval of contracts.
• Assisting the Head of Acquisitions with completing Tender documents, requirements, and submissions
• Prepare contract Deal memo/ requirements before the deal is confirmed.
• Obtaining contract-related information from relevant external parties.
• Liaising between parties regarding contract development and negotiations regarding terms and conditions.
• Assist Legal with formatting and sending out the confirmed changes.
• Ensure efficient capturing of contracts and check the accuracy of the contract details on Synergy and report errors to stakeholders/ managers and suppliers.
• Track system authorizations and correspondence.
• Maintain an audit file for each contract which will include original contract, all correspondence, changes, amendments, clarifications and payment schedules.
• Develop and maintain an effective database of information on all SuperSport contracts, deal memos, MOU’s and SLA’s. Ensuring the legibility and effortless electronic access and tracking system.
• Ensuring all relevant and valid licenses are created and Finance and Scheduling are advised timeously of all new and future content/ programming.
• Liaise with supplier for extensions or addendums during peak season.
• Ensure that the supplier is loaded on to the procurement system (SMAX) and all necessary documentation is submitted and complies with Shared Services requirements.
• Ensure all deadlines and conditions described on the contracts are met (e.g. payments are processed accordingly and Scheduling have the schedules and broadcast requirements ahead for the relevant events)
• Provide contract summaries and ensure contract execution in accordance with company policy.
• Load contracts on Signing hub for authorizing and signing.
• Monthly Reports to management of all new deals and reports on new and existing deals, as well as extract archive content for comparisons.

Sports Portfolio Optimization

• Continuously evaluate and optimize SuperSport’s sports content portfolio based on performance metrics, user feedback, and market trends.
• Provide recommendations for adding, renewing, or discontinuing sports content.
• Assess the cultural relevance of sports content across different regions and demographics to ensure that the sports content portfolio reflects the diverse interests of the target audience.

Negotiation and Deal Structuring

• Manage the negotiation of agreements where SuperSport have output content-filler type relationships with production houses around the world.
• Lead negotiations with content providers, including licensing terms, pricing, exclusivity, and contractual obligations.
• Collaborate with legal teams to structure and finalize content acquisition deals.
• Negotiating contract terms and conditions with external partners - certain limit.

Contracts Management

• Manage the updating of the Supplier database, request Residency Certificates, Withholding Declaration Forms and up to date banking details from suppliers.
• Assist with the general contract management for Regulatory, Production, Marketing and Digital.
• Order tickets for relevant World Cup events (Rugby, Cricket and Football). Collate regular ticket reports/templates and other data analysis to assist the relevant departments with their orders and update the supplier’s portals with the ticket holder’s information and assist with visa and Fan ID requirements.
• Manage relationships with third party ticketing outlets.
• Organize the onboarding of the directors on Law Trust’s Signing Hub
• Maintain databases and questionnaires for suppliers, UEFA, CRICKET, OLYMPICS

Compliance

• Operate within a given budget to determine and ensure that the financial requirements are met.
• Work within the business processes and policies.
• Participate in learning and development activities to ensure adherence to the requirements of the business unit.
• Ensure adherence to licensing agreements, broadcast rights, and compliance with sport’s governing bodies.
• Monitor and address any potential legal or contractual issues related to sports content in collaboration with legal.

Financial Management

• Conduct financial assessments to evaluate the potential return on investment for sports content acquisitions.
• Develop and manage budgets related to sports content acquisition activities.
• Develop Monthly / yearly reports for finance and senior management regarding contracts and deals concluded.
• Send out contract financial change notices including the reporting and status of contracts to the Finance team.
• Request invoices and checking that payments are processed for rights and technical fees.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for all rights holders – Local and Foreign regarding, for rights and content.
• Provide the link between the Acquisitions department and all other SuperSport departments, distributing information and managing execution across Scheduling, marketing, production, finance, digital and DSTV Media Sales.
• Prepare and disseminate information to appropriate departments regarding contract status and relevant contract extracts or schedules.
• Collaborate with marketing, product development, and sales teams to align sports content acquisition strategies with broader business objectives.

Qualification:

• A Post graduate qualification advantageous in Business, Sports Management, or a related field.

Experience

• 8-10 years’ experience in Contracts Administrative or Administrative role or similar.
• 2+ years legal and/or contracting experience will be advantageous.
• SAP and Coupa System knowledge.
• Extensive experience in sports content acquisition, licensing, or business development within the media and entertainment industry.
• In-depth knowledge of the sports industry, including key players, leagues, and global sports events.
• Strong negotiation and deal-making skills, particularly in the context of sports broadcasting rights.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to conduct financial assessments and market analyses.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Familiarity with legal and contractual aspects of sports content acquisition.