Senior Manager Culture Marketing, Brand Activation, Brand adidas

PURPOSE & OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANISATION

Contribute strategy and initiative to connect the adidas brand to our target consumers through the use of global and local celebrities, streetwear leaders, and artists in Japan.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop strategic Culture Marketing plans for Japan by following global guidance and local priorities.
• Strategically contribute to global and local brand campaigns and activations by defining celebrity and influencer partners as well as managing relationships from the beginning negotiation process to activation.
• Ensure team and market are following global operational practices.
• Comply with Contract Approval Form (CAF) procedures for new partners and renewals and ensure proper maintenance of AMS system.
• Create, manage and execute Partner Activation plan for signed partners and continuously update the Partner Activation Tool (PAT): contract period, contract value, partners priority relevance, social media stats, tracking of contractual appearances and encouraging optimal presence of adidas amongst brand partners.
• Build relevant and diverse portfolio of emerging to established partners by following Portfolio Planning guidance from global and meeting milestone timelines.
• Organization/tracking of budgets, marketing spends, invoicing, and payments.
• Research and prepare presentations/documents for internal and external stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships within Japan’s Entertainment, Streetwear, Art, and Fashion circles, i.e. actors, musicians, stylists, designers, artists, industry VIPs. Attend events and industry meetings for networking, when relevant.
• Consistent collaboration with local Japan cross functional teams across Brand Activation, Product Marketing, Sales, Business Units and global Culture Marketing
• Manage, train, and develop team members on logistical elements of the position, protocol of department and dynamics of the industry, while fostering a high performance culture.
• Oversee all logistics and product ordering efforts for Culture Marketing showroom: Includes forecasting, ordering and maintaining in-office product (Monthly stock orders, quarterly promotional forecasting, seasonal specialty product) across all brand segments. Must maintain current product knowledge and clear target market objectives. Ensure showroom is run smoothly in premium condition.
• Maintain brand recognition and relevant brand visibility through strategic product placement, industry/consumer events and brand integration platforms in entertainment.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Brand Activation Teams
• Product Marketing Teams
• Newsroom Team
• Sports Marketing Team
• CTC x-functional
• Finance
• Legal
• Sales
• Industry Contacts (Agencies, Individuals, Brands)
• Vertical Category Teams & Managers
• Business Unit Leads

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge and awareness of the music/fashion/style/entertainment industry
• Creative Thinker & Problem Solver
• Strong negotiation skills and experience working legal teams
• Ability to see the long-term opportunity, through the short-term objectives
• Strong attention to detail, results-focused
• Avid Communicator: Vital to keeping colleagues, community informed and engaged
• Strong networking and interpersonal skills
• Self-initiator, capable of determining priorities
• Highly stress-resistant; ability to handle tight deadlines, and abrasive personalities
• Project management skills and an ability to work well in a team environment
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and presentations
• Savvy presentational skills as both creator and presenter. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• High level of proficiency in Word, Excel, PPT and Outlook.
• Ability to make sound business decisions.
• Excellent understanding of ‘Service-Provider Approach’ to relationship management
• Strong organizational, problem solving, time management and resolution skills.
• Unconventional business hours may be required. (evenings, weekends)
• Capable and comfortable with global travel on a regular basis (min. 5 weeks per year)

REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Four year college or university degree in Marketing, advertising or related field
• 8 to 10 years Marketing (Sports, Entertainment or Brand Marketing) with proven experience or background
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for degree.

Proven track record of growth, development and success across various functions, areas, and activities

• Direct working relationships with key markets/regions or relevant experience working in a focus adidas market.
• Business Level English
• Fluent in Japanese

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may frequently engage in extensive physical demands. The employee will frequently be required to sit, stand, bend, and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally be required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.