Background
Background
The Cronulla Sharks have a long and proud history in New South Wales and Australian Rugby League and have been part of the National Competition (NRL) since 1967. The Football Club and Leagues Club are part of the fabric of the Sutherland Shire region and both entities pride themselves upon the role they play within the local community.
2012 is set to be a defining year in the club's history. The Leagues Club and its development partners are in the latter stages of obtaining approval for a major commercial and property development surrounding Toyota Park and the Leagues Club. This development will provide more diverse income streams for the club and significantly reduce current debt levels, ultimately enabling the Sharks to invest more heavily within their own infrastructure. The Football Club has established a strong roster for 2012 and is well positioned to capitalise on a good start to the season both on and off the field. Furthermore, with the establishment of the NRL Independent Commission the finances of all member clubs are set to improve significantly from 2013 onwards.
Key Responsibilities
The Sharks Football Club are recruiting a General Manager – Marketing & Commercial to work alongside the CFO & General Manager Football to ensure top quality staff, systems, partnerships and structures both on and off the field. The task is to drive revenue growth across all areas of operation and review the existing operations to improve the perception and performance of the Cronulla Sharks' brand in the marketplace. There will be 2 key performance areas:
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Corporate Partnerships/Sales - Ownership of all corporate marketing and corporate partnerships activity incorporating full responsibility for the commercial strategy and partnership sales. The individual will have sole carriage for all Tier 1 sponsorship deals and marquee player agreements.
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Consumer Marketing - Leadership of consumer marketing strategy and team. This will include management responsibility for membership, merchandise, hospitality, media, digital and events activities and staff. The role will have ultimate responsibility for all stadium operations and match-day.
The priority in undertaking the role will be to lead all corporate marketing and corporate partnership activity with a focus on growing the existing revenue base. A polished 'blue chip' operator they must have the credentials to work closely with the Board in connecting the Cronulla Sharks with the NSW and wider Australian business community. The role will develop a sponsorship strategy ensuring the delivery of maximum revenues from all new and existing clients.
The role will also have responsibility for the supervision of all consumer marketing activity incorporating the membership, merchandise, ticketing, game-day, media, supporter engagement and stadium management arms of the business. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of a range of marketing and event based projects and initiatives, aimed at developing and increasing greater membership, engagement and support.
Skills and Experience Required
The successful candidate will have a proven background in sport and/or sponsorship. You will have an understanding of the 'hands-on' nature of a commercial role at suburban rugby league club.
The role requires an exceptional people manager with experience of developing and motivating teams. You will be able to manage a small team on a clear long-term strategy without losing sight of short-term goals. The successful candidate will most likely come from a major agency, federation or an alternate sports club.
Other Information
Please note that applicants must have legal rights to work in Australia. No Relocation or Visa support is offered for this role.
Please click on Apply Now below to submit your application. Applications should highlight relevant experience including current remuneration.
For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Jonathan Harris on +61 (0)2 9006 1160.