Marketing & Commercial Director
Background:
European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) is a new association established in Neuchâtel, Switzerland
under the Swiss Civil Code with responsibility to develop and manage European cup rugby competitions
from the start of the 2014/15 season. The Association comprises of nine members; six national unions
(Fédération Française de Rugby, Federazione Italiana Rugby, Irish Rugby Football Union, Rugby Football
Union, Scottish Rugby Union and Welsh Rugby Union) and three club organisations (Ligue Nationale de
Rugby, Premiership Rugby and Regional Rugby Wales). The Association will be managed through a Board
of Directors; an Executive Committee; a Director-General and executive staff who are based in
Neuchâtel.
The role:
The Marketing & Commercial Director will be responsible for developing and implementing all marketing
and commercial aspects of EPCR competitions: European Rugby Champions Cup, Challenge Cup and
Qualifying Tournament. This will include sponsorship acquisition and servicing, TV/broadcasting
strategies and relationships, Finals event planning, brand marketing, new media strategies,
merchandising and potential other new revenue opportunities.
Reports to:
EPCR Director General / CEO
Your main responsibilities:
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Develop and implement an integrated strategy for sponsorship, TV/broadcast, events, digital
media, merchandising and licensing.
Oversee all marketing activity for the organisation and its brands, including brand positioning,
visual identity, media planning, media buy, etc.
Cultivate the commercial concept and definition of sponsor’s rights packages.
Manage the sponsorship acquisition process and rights delivery/fulfilment of contractual
obligations on an international level.
Manage media and TV/broadcaster partnerships (strategic planning, contract negotiations,
relationships, etc.).
Work with our media agency to define the events’ TV production plans and boost the TV and
digital distribution plans in Europe.
Oversee the strategic planning of EPCR events including operating model, ticketing and
hospitality strategies.
Expand new media across digital platforms, in line with the marketing strategy.
Develop and manage creative brand marketing initiatives, including the internal development of
day-to-day creative and brand materials.
Develop and generate new revenue streams e.g. licensing and merchandising or other similar
opportunities.
The role will require significant travel to meet with the Associations or to attend relevant matches,
mostly across the six main European rugby countries.
Your experience and skills:
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Extensive experience in a sports sales and marketing position in addition to international relations.
Commercial acumen, the ability to manage and grow relationships, with budget management
skills and market knowledge.
A track record of sponsorship acquisition, TV/broadcasting and ability to build long-term client
relationships.
Proven track record of developing, implementing and measuring sales and marketing activities.
Excellent skills and understanding of sponsorship and account management across a wide range
of sales and marketing disciplines.
Skilled with new media (digital media, etc.) and development of platforms to build upon the brand
marketing.
Familiarity with strategic planning and organising of events.
Understanding of licensing and merchandising within the sports environment.
Strong personality with diplomatic communication and negotiating skills, a highly developed
networker who has collaborated with internationals brands.
Experience in working in an international, multi-cultural setting.
Experience in delivering results against key performance indicators and experience of measuring
return on investment for commercial and marketing activities.
A team player with a passion for sports and an ability to motivate others.
Self-motivated and dynamic personality with entrepreneurial and strategic thinking.
Able to demonstrate credibility with board level relationships.
Outstanding written and spoken communication skills with the ability to present at a senior level.
Fluency in English and French, any other language is advantageous.
Application process:
If you are interested by this excellent opportunity, please send your application documents to
lausanne@sportsrecruitment.com, or contact our Lausanne office at +41(0)21 943 33 81.