Head of Marketing

Events and Sports Management (ESM) is looking for an experienced Head of Marketing to lead our marketing department in Dubai, UAE . If you’re a strategic marketing leader who can build high-performing teams, own the full new business funnel and drive growth across multiple brands, this is your opportunity to shape the future of a leading sports and events business.

The role

You’ll set the marketing vision and strategy for all ESM brands, academies, camps and events, and lead a multi-disciplinary team covering brand, content, digital, social media and design. You’ll own the new business funnel and its targets for every programme, work closely with sales and operations, and manage partner and sponsor relationships to secure retention and renewal. You’ll also identify opportunities to generate additional revenue by offering the department’s services to external companies. You’ll report to the Commercial Director.

What you’ll do

Strategy and growth

• Develop and implement a marketing strategy across all brands and divisions, with clear plans for execution
• Build and own the marketing funnel for every academy and programme, from awareness and lead generation through to trial, enrolment and conversion
• Set targets at each stage of the funnel, track performance and take corrective action to deliver new business growth
• Drive customer acquisition and support retention strategies across all academies and camps
• Conduct regular market analysis to identify trends, opportunities and competitive insights

Commercial and partnerships

• Manage partner and sponsor relationships, ensuring contracted rights and deliverables are fulfilled
• Report value back to partners and secure retention and renewal of agreements
• Generate leads and revenue for both internal divisions and external clients
• Make full use of CRM and marketing automation tools, and support the development of new CRM capabilities

Brand and performance

• Ensure consistent brand messaging and positioning across all brands, channels and initiatives
• Establish and monitor KPIs and funnel metrics to measure campaign effectiveness
• Oversee all marketing budgets and channel spending to ensure efficient use of resources
• Integrate marketing with sales and operations to ensure joined-up strategies

Leadership

• Lead and develop a team including the Brand Manager, Content Lead, Digital Marketing Executive, Social Media Executive, Graphic Designer and Marketing Admin
• Create a collaborative, positive culture within the team and with internal stakeholders
• Build an environment where colleagues can grow and reach their potential

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or a related field

Experience

• At least 10 years of professional marketing experience
• At least 5 years leading mid-size marketing teams across design, content creation, digital marketing and brand management
• Experience line managing a Brand Manager or senior brand function
• Proven experience building a marketing funnel, setting stage-by-stage targets and delivering against them
• Experience managing partner or sponsor relationships, including activation, reporting and renewal
• Proven track record in brand strategy, promotional campaigns and digital marketing
• Experience supervising video and photo content creation, graphic design and social media is desirable
• Experience in sports marketing, PR or market research is an advantage

Knowledge and skills

• Proficiency in digital channels, CRM systems and marketing automation tools
• Ability to use data and market research to inform marketing decisions
• Strong knowledge of current media trends
• Excellent project management, time management and multitasking skills

Attributes

• An inspiring leader who motivates diverse, multicultural teams
• Leads by example, with a growth mindset
• Excellent communicator who builds genuine relationships with colleagues and partners
• Able to turn potential conflict into opportunities for mutual understanding
• Creative thinker with strong decision-making skills
• A passion for sport is desirable but not essential

What we offer

• A competitive salary package
• Tax-free salary
• Annual flight allowance
• Private medical insurance
• End-of-service benefit
• Access to lifestyle discounts

Please note: In your application, please state:

• the number of years you have spent leading mid-size marketing teams across design, content creation, digital marketing and brand management
• your salary expectations

Pay: AED252,000.00 - AED264,000.00 per year

Experience:

• leading mid-size marketing teams: 5 years (Required)
• professional marketing: 10 years (Required)
• sports marketing, PR or market research is an advantage: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: In person