SPORTFIVE also develops sponsorship and public relations programmes for companies and advises these companies in optimising their partnerships.

Transcription

1 Client: Position: Location: SPORTFIVE France Sponsorship Director - Fédération Française de Cyclisme (FFC) Paris, France Background SPORTFIVE SPORTFIVE is an international sports marketing agency, owned by the French media group Lagardère, SPORTFIVE is the largest agency in the group s dedicated sports and entertainment division. It employs around 500 people in offices spread across Europe, Africa and Asia, and has over 25 years of industry experience. The mission of SPORTFIVE is to create true value for the sports and entertainment industry and companies wanting to capitalise on sports and entertainment to develop their businesses and brands, and address their core targets the fans. SPORTFIVE prides itself on providing expertise and innovation across the full spectrum of sports marketing services. It is the European and African leader in the management of marketing and audio-visual rights for sports by offering sporting clubs, federations and events their unique experience and know-how in: - professional sports management - commercialisation of media rights and marketing rights - hospitality - stadium consulting - client servicing SPORTFIVE also develops sponsorship and public relations programmes for companies and advises these companies in optimising their partnerships. Thanks to its network (of almost 500 colleagues in 15 countries, on 5 continents), the SPORTFIVE group combines international expertise and knowledge of the local specifics of each market. The SPORTFIVE teams maintain a close relationship with all clients, rights holders and advertisers and the passion for sport that drives them, guarantees constant involvement at the heart of the largest sporting events. The SPORTFIVE portfolio has evolved considerably throughout the years and today SPORTFIVE represents and markets a significant volume of media and marketing rights across international sports, including: - The International Olympic Committee (Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016) - a large number of top tier professional football clubs across Germany, France and Holland - Juventus Turin (Stadium Naming Rights) - other sports such as handball, triathlon, winter sports, tennis, sailing and motorsports

2 Fédération Française de Cyclisme (FFC) The Fédération Française de Cyclisme is the national governing body of cycle racing in France. It governs all cycling disciplines: - road - criteriums - track - off-road - BMX - indoor It also governs some cyclosport events. It is a member of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI the International Cycling Union) and the Union Européenne de cyclisme (UEC the European Cycling Union). The French Cycling Federation has over 112,000 members with nearly 70,000 of those on the road. The impressive and rising membership numbers are accompanied with a new political enthusiasm and support to drive the organisation forwards with a particular focus on improving elite performance. This political enthusiasm is spear-headed by the current President, David Lappartient who was re-elected for his second four-year term in February In March 2013 he was elected President of the European Cycling Union and as such he is clearly an influential leader in the cycling world and an individual with great ambitions for the future of French cycling. Currently France has FDJ as its state-funded team with lottery money going straight to the pro squad rather than a broader pyramid topped by a pro-team which exists in other countries such as Britain. The success of European teams and in particular the successful commercial partnerships such as Team Sky with British Cycling and Rabobank with Dutch Cycling has inspired the French Cycling Federation to create a multi-disciplined professional cycling team. The team brings together the best French riders in the disciplines of track cycling, BMX, mountain biking, cyclo-cross and road cycling with an ultimate goal of becoming the world s leading cycling federation. The team will be based at the new National Cycling Centre near Paris. This centre will include a 5,000- seater velodrome and other state-of-the-art training facilities. The partnership In June 2013 Fédération Française de Cyclisme (FFC) appointed SPORTFIVE France to market the rights of the new multi-disciplinary professional cycling team. SPORTFIVE is now the exclusive agent for the sale of the team s marketing rights and are in the process of beginning the hunt for a headline sponsor and various other category partnership deals.

3 Nature and Scope of the Role As a result of this exciting new partnership, SPORTFIVE are now looking to strengthen and develop a specialised commercial team devoted to the French Cycling Federation. Structure SPORTFIVE France has a strong presence and is heavily integrated with clubs and the sporting sector throughout the country. Ben Taverner, Commercial Director of SPORTFIVE France is creating a structured top tier international sales team and is looking to appoint an individual to manage Fédération Française de Cyclisme as one of their top three properties (the other two being Juventus and Olympique Lyonnais). The role will report directly to Ben as the Commercial Director; however the individual will also work closely with the CEO and will be expected to utilise the support of other senior internal stakeholders at SPORTFIVE. The role will ideally be based in Paris and is likely to involve frequent travel. Leadership This individual will lead and manage a commercial team devoted purely to the French Cycling Federation. They will need to lead the acquisition process from the front at the same time as utilising the team and key individuals to ensure completion of the various sponsorship deals. Working in partnership with FFC The French Cycling Federation is one of the most important properties that SPORTFIVE France are responsible for and as such building and maintaining the relationship with FFC is a key role for this individual. They will need to develop a deep understanding of FFC to be able to represent the organisation and the multi-disciplinary professional cycling team to prospective sponsors. This individual will be the key contact for the President of FFC and will be expected to utilise key stakeholders within FFC particularly in the latter negotiation stages. Sales The individual will be responsible for securing sponsorship revenues through developing and implementing an enhanced international sponsorship & partner sales strategy for the new cycling team. This will involve developing and selling creative sponsorship packages to new brands throughout France and other wider international territories. Finding a headline sponsor will be the key focus for this individual and they will be tasked with developing an attractive marketing package for the right organisation.

4 Person Specification Whilst the successful candidate could come from a number of differing backgrounds, it is expected that someone with the relevant sales experience will have experience from the global sports industry and will have particular interest in or a passion for cycling. Sales - This individual will need to be sales focussed and target driven and have a proven track record of working on high profile sponsorship deals - Working in a demanding and challenging market will mean this individual needs to have proven experience and success in a high profile, demanding and fast-paced commercial/sales environment - Experience of developing new business and securing headline sponsors through new relationships will be vital for this individual to bring to the role Client Management - Managing one of the highest profile clients for SPORTFIVE dictates that this individual needs to have proven client relationship management experience at a senior level - Working in partnership with FFC will demand an individual who has previous experience working at a senior level with rights owners Sports industry credibility - Credibility with FFC will be crucial in this role and the individual will need to bring with them experience of working with key global sports clients to deliver high profile sponsorship deals - A passion for the sports sector and in particular cycling are desirable as this will also help the individual deliver against the needs of FFC Package & Remuneration The successful candidate will be offered a base salary commensurate with experience and reflecting the demands and seniority of this role. This will be accompanied by an annual bonus of up to 35% of the base salary. In addition to the annual bonus there is an attractive annual team bonus pool which will be paid out if targets are met. Relocation costs will also be covered.

5 How to apply SPORTFIVE is an equal opportunity employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and belief. To apply candidates should send the following: - Letter of application highlighting your motivation for the post and relevant experience - Details of current remuneration - Up to date curriculum vitae - Names and contact details for three referees (referees will not be contacted until final interview stage) Applications should be made online at or you can apply by cj@sportsrecruitment.com (please quote reference: CJ11062).