JOB TITLE: FAN EXPERIENCE AND OPERATIONS MANAGER
DEPARTMENT: COMMERCIAL
REPORTING INTO: SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR
HOURS OF WORK: 37.5 HOURS PER WEEK INCLUDING ALL HOME FIXTURES
SALARY: £DOE
WHO WE ARE:
We are Sale Sharks: A team. A community. A family, woven together by the Fabric of the North.
Born in Manchester and proud of our roots, Sale Sharks is the only Premiership Rugby Union team in the North-West, playing top-flight rugby in the Gallagher Premiership and European Champions Cup, with an emerging Women’s team competing in Premiership Women’s Rugby.
With Northern charm in our blood and Shark pride in our hearts, our mission is to be the most impactful rugby club on the planet, on and off the pitch.
Inclusive and caring in everything we do. We’re not afraid to take risks, trying something new in search of better and facing up to the toughest with courage and pride. We use our position as the best team in the North to make a real difference, whether that’s through grassroots sports or community initiatives.
We play with integrity on and off the pitch and we are seeking someone who shares our values of Togetherness, Fearlessness, Passion, Pride, Humility.
THE OPPORTUNITY: This is an exciting, hands-on role and would be an ideal opportunity for someone from an events or operational background with stadium knowledge to step up to leading a team. There will be opportunity for creativity and autonomy in the role which will act as a pivotal linchpin within our highly functioning commercial team. The role holder will work with gravitas in managing a team of stakeholders, operating across our media and coms team, hospitality, sales, ticketing, brand and community colleagues to ensure our operations are seamless and effective.
The key responsibilities will include:
Fan Experience (50%):
- Develop General Admissions ticketing communication plan with the Media & Communications Manager and Creative lead to ensure that all ticketing timelines are hit with clear briefs on sales windows, messaging, pricing and product focus
- Daily tracking and analysis of GA and hospitality ticket sales to provide weekly reports to line manager, and track performance YOY, to budget and to occupancy
- Participation as Sale Sharks representative in weekly x-club Premiership Rugby League (PRL) trading calls and key contact for fan insights
- Management of Ticketing Manager to review and analyse prices each season across GA and Hospitality to provide insights and recommendations for pricing architecture
- Responsibility for development, launch and management of student ticketing initiative, building a 3-year plan
- Responsibility for management and evolution of overall game day fan experience including; entertainment, fan village, Lifeguard programme, food and beverage, feedback survey
- Responsibility for ambassadors briefing event every September and for one fan forum per season at the stadium
- Responsibility for development, launch and management of First-time Fan initiative building a go-to-market plan for the first season and tracking success
- Production of game day stings and briefing of birthday messages
- Lead Club contact for PRL Fan Experience company
- Relationship management of Sale Sharks Supporters Club, briefing Community Manager as required for player appearances at events
- Responsibility to compile mid-season and full season evaluations for Ticketing and Fan experience
Operations: (40%)
- Leads on understanding and knowledge of PRL and European Professional Club Rugby Commercial Regulations to ensure Club (and stadium) compliance each season
- Key Club contact for stadium and match day supplier partners and contractors for example; AV, parking, security, food & beverage, staffing, site plans/event layouts, health and safety. Ensuring Club compliance with stadium regulations and commercial regulations
- Match day lead for all home matches, providing a full briefing document for Sale Sharks and all associated supplier teams to ensure first-class game day execution, detailing roles and responsibilities along with run order of the day. For example pre-match clinics, pre-game activations, group attendees, half-time activations, competition winners, VIPs, media list, content brief, stadium tours, hospitality entertainment, key contacts, match sponsors etc.
- Management of match day run-of-show, announcer briefing, game stings, sponsorship ad boards placements/planner
- Responsibility for full management of match day mascot programme, and operational management of Guard of Honour, Flag Bearers and Dream Team
- Management of match day operations budget, providing season forecast and monthly reconciliation to line manager
- Responsibility for internal communications platform commercial updates/ticketing requirements, and any related platforms
Special Projects: (10%)
- Sourcing and production of annual promotional merchandise within budget allocated
- Responsibility for management of International ticket allocation, payment and distribution, supported by Ticketing Manager
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
Essential
- Minimum 5 years’ experience working in an events role, client-side or agency-side
- Demonstrable track record of event delivery success
- Ability to manage multiple stakeholders in high pressure situations
- Excellent communication skills with a high attention to detail
- Excellent organisational skills
- Ability to build strong relationships
- Experience working in a fast-paced environment
- Stadium operations knowledge
- Experience of team leadership
Desirable
- Experience of live sports events delivery
- Creatively minded
THE ROLE
The full-time role will be based at the training centre in Carrington and match day working will be at the Salford Stadium
BENEFITS:
- Access to on-site gym
- Subsidised meals during season
- Free parking on site
- Free match tickets to all Sale Sharks home fixtures
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please send a CV and covering letter setting out why you believe you are our ideal candidate to Jenny Outhwaite Jenny.outhwaite@salesharks.com by Tuesday 7th May 2024. We will not accept applications from agencies.
Interviews to take place w.c 13th May 2024.
We are an equal opportunities employer, committed to having an inclusive culture that celebrates difference and respects diversity and equity. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.
The successful candidate will undergo an enhanced DBS check.
*Please note only candidates selected for interview will be notified.
