Senior Brand Manager

Working at the RFU means being part of the 'bigger picture' at England Rugby: to be rooted in our purpose, which is to enrich lives, introduce more people to rugby union & develop the sport for future generations. If our purpose resonates with you, and you recognise the value that sport can bring to people's lives, we'd love to work with you. An opportunity has arisen for a Senior Brand Manager to join our Marketing Team on a permanent basis., The Senior Brand Manager is responsible for developing, defining and applying the England Rugby brand positioning across all the RFU's wide portfolio of brands and activities. This role acts as the brand guardian, brand champion, and brand protector, and will develop and deliver a brand strategy and delivery plan which meets the objectives laid out in the RFU's Strategic Plan. The role will play a key role in the marketing team to support on:

• Developing our brand in support of the RFU's digital transformation across web, app, social media and email.
• Key campaigns around flagship events such as the Rugby World Cup 25 and growth in the community game.
• In developing a youth strategy with the aim of making our brand and sport relevant to a younger audience.
• Support the development of content across digital and physical platforms to meet our strategic goals.
• Further define our brand portfolio particularly in the community game.
Some key responsibilities include:
• Develop and deliver the England Rugby Brand positioning and brand strategy.
• Bring the brand to life via a series of creative campaigns, working closely across marketing and commercial teams.
• Manage the RFU design studio, and all brand work undertaken in house or by external agencies.
• Manage the brand budget, ensuring all England Rugby brand campaigns deliver value for money, and come in on budget.
• Lead the implementation of a new digital asset management platform for England Rugby key brand assets, utilised by multiple stakeholders.
• Work with partners, retail and licensing to maximise England Rugby brand association whilst adhering to guidelines and enhancing ER brand proposition.
• Generate key insights via internal teams and external providers to help understand perceptions and measure growth of England Rugby brand appeal.
• Work closely with colleagues in licencing and legal to manage unauthorised use of the ER brand & likeness.
• Play a lead role in briefs and brainstorms, originating fresh ideas and translating strategies into cross channel communications.
• Lead the in-house briefing system and working closely with the resource team to ensure best practice.
• Actively collaborate with colleagues to contribute to the development and delivery of the current strategic, business and operational plans.
• Act as an ambassador for, and promote the best interests of the RFU, including the promotion of our culture and core values - This Rose Means Everyone: Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other.
• Undertake other duties as may be required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the post and the needs of the organisation.
  
  The skills and attributes outlined in this description are not exhaustive and we welcome candidates who can bring different relevant experiences to the role.
Essential:
• Experience working for a large consumer facing brand.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to work on several projects at once, prioritising and communicating priorities.
• Comprehensive understanding of best practice and trends in developing brands for future generations.
• Experience of managing a creative studio, writing briefs and developing compelling creative.
• Ability to develop and communicate brand strategy and narrative.
• Experience of building, inspiring, leading and managing a team, setting high standards of performance with a focus on developing talent.
• Proactive self-starter with the perseverance and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to work independently and with high levels of autonomy.
• Proven time management and prioritisation skills.
• Effective communicator able to confidently deliver clear written and verbal messages.
• Strong collaboration, influencing and partner management skills with the ability to challenge constructively.
• Committed to embodying the ethos our culture by using our three core values - Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other - to guide your day-to-day decisions, actions and interactions.
• Committed to actively contributing and building an inclusive culture in your role and day to day behaviours.
Desirable:
• Experience of working in sports industry.
• Design experience.
• Degree level education or higher desirable, but not essential.
• Ability to deliver administration and coordination, alongside strategic thinking and influence.
• Experience bringing the brand to life in a stadium experience setting.