As the Manager/Senior Manager, Branding and Merchandising at the World Aquatics Championships 2025, you play a pivotal role, working in close collaboration with the Director of Communications, Marketing and Sponsorship to effectively manage event merchandise licensing and distribution. Your responsibilities encompass supporting revenue generation by facilitating licensing agreements, maintaining merchandise quality control, and overseeing retail operations.
In this role, You will,
1. Licensing Strategy
- Develop and execute a comprehensive licensing strategy aligned with the event's brand.
- Identify and secure licensing partners to create a diverse range of event-related products.
- Manage and administer regulatory requirements together with relevant stakeholders.
2. Merchandising Program Management
- Oversee the creation, production, and distribution of merchandise for the WAC 2025.
- Ensure high-quality standards and brand guidelines for all merchandise.
- Manage all merchandising functions, including achieving sell-through targets, maintaining optimal stock levels, and monitoring product delivery.
- Formulate and coordinate launching plans and follow-up strategies.
3. Contract Negotiation
- Negotiate licensing agreements and contracts with potential partners.
- Ensure all contractual obligations are met, and monitor project progress to identify and mitigate risks and deviations.
- Negotiate terms and conditions for contract awards.
- Collaborate with legal and finance teams to ensure favorable terms for the organization.
- Maintain accurate and organized contract documentation, including correspondence, reports, and records of contract-related communications.
4. Vendor Management
- Establish and manage relationships with retail partners to maximize the visibility and availability of championship merchandise.
- Implement marketing strategies to drive merchandise sales.
5. Brand Protection
- Implement measures to protect the event's brand integrity and prevent unauthorized use of logos and trademarks.
- Monitor and take action against counterfeit merchandise.
6. Budget Management
- Analyze the allocated budget to identify potential cost-saving opportunities and efficient allocation of resources.
- Implement rigorous cost control measures, including real-time tracking of expenses, to ensure operations remain within the predefined budget constraints.
- Develop and manage the budget for licensing and merchandising activities.
- Provide regular reports on financial performance and Returns of Investments (ROI).
What we are looking for
Requirements
We are looking for self-motivated individuals who value integrity, teamwork and take pride in going the extra mile to provide excellent service to stakeholders and the community. This individual should be a sport advocate through living an active lifestyle and staying active. If you share our vision and want to be part of our dynamic team, join us now!
In addition, an ideal candidate should possess the following:
- A minimum of 3 years of experience in licensing, merchandising, or related roles, preferably in sports or large-scale events.
- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
- Creative thinker with a keen understanding of market trends
- Extensive experience in fostering and sustaining collaborations with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to manage across multiple projects and priorities.
- Excellent time management skills and ability to adapt in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Familiarity with the aquatic sports industry is an advantage.
- Flexibility to work irregular hours and travel as needed during the event, including weekends and holidays.
- Other ad-hoc tasks as and when directed by Project Director.
