📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Sports Marketing Manager Running, France & Italy
🔹 Company: New Balance
🔹 Location: Paris, Ile-de-France, France
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 days remote)
🔹 Category: Sports Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: July 21, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid option
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading talent identification, recruitment, and athlete integration into a running sports marketing program in France and Italy
- Managing athlete visibility and activation while aligning with the global sports marketing strategy
- Regular travel across Europe
- Collaboration with local marketing teams and stakeholders within the running industry
- Negotiation of athlete contracts and management of local marketing budgets
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the running industry, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead and drive the implementation of the Global Sports Marketing strategy within France & Italy, including the identification, development, and management of a highly credible athletes’ program in collaboration with local marketing teams
✅ Build and maintain strong professional relationships with athletes, ensuring they receive the best individual support package and ongoing optimization of these partnerships
✅ Responsibility for negotiation of French & Italian athlete contracts in consultation with the EMEA Sports Marketing Manager
✅ Lead communication with local marketing teams on athlete integration in marketing activities and events
✅ Responsibility and management of local marketing budgets in collaboration with EMEA Sports Marketing Manager
✅ Accountable for servicing of athlete product assortments in market and ensure optimal support for athlete performance needs
✅ Inform and support internal reporting for all EMEA athlete successes
✅ Analyze and evaluate the results of running athletes
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of the running industry, excellent project management skills, and the ability to build strong relationships with athletes and local marketing teams.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Sports Management, or a related field
Experience: 5-10 years of experience in sports marketing, with a focus on athlete management and program development
Required Skills:
- Fluent French & English speaking (essential)
- Previous experience as a Sports Marketing Manager supporting athletes (essential)
- Passion for running and a deep understanding of the sport
- Specialist knowledge and strong experience in elite performance running, including both track & field, cross country and road running
- Experience of working with multiple stakeholders within the running industry, under the governance of World Athletics
- Team player with a collaborative mindset
- Excellent project management and organizational skills, with impeccable attention to detail
- High-level communication skills with a people-first mindset
- Ability to prioritize effectively and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Confident, assertive, and professional in all interactions
- Strong sense of accountability and responsibility
- Flexible approach to working hours, occasional weekend and non-traditional working hours are required within this role
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with athletes from diverse cultural backgrounds
- Familiarity with World Athletics governance and regulations
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in sports marketing, a deep understanding of the running industry, and excellent communication and project management skills.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €50,000 - €65,000 per year (based on industry standards for a mid-level sports marketing manager in France)
Benefits:
- Discretionary Bonus Opportunity
- Discount on Health Insurance
- 25 days Annual Leave per year
- Pension
- Life Insurance
- Daily Meal Allowance
- Hybrid Working (3 days on site and 2 days working from home)
- Transportation Allowance
- Employee Discount
- Volunteering Opportunities via NB GivesBack
- Learning & Development Opportunities
- Opportunity to work from anywhere for four weeks per year
- Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a mid-level sports marketing manager in France. The benefits listed are based on the information provided in the job description.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Apparel & Fashion, specifically focused on athletic footwear and apparel
Company Size: Small (15 employees)
Founded: 1906, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Company Description:
- New Balance is a leading athletic footwear and apparel company, committed to empowering people through sport and craftsmanship
- The company fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and a strong commitment to social responsibility
- New Balance is known for its high-quality products, sustainability initiatives, and community involvement
Company Specialties:
- Running and athletic footwear
- Casual and lifestyle apparel
- Sustainability and social responsibility initiatives
Company Website: www.newbalance.com
ASSUMPTION: New Balance is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the athletic footwear and apparel industry. The company is known for its commitment to innovation, quality, and social responsibility.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level (5-10 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: The Sports Marketing Manager will report directly to the EMEA Sports Marketing Manager
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 days remote) with regular travel across Europe
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential progression to a senior role within the sports marketing team
- Expansion of responsibilities to cover additional sports or regions
- Opportunities to work on global sports marketing projects and initiatives
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand responsibilities and take on more senior-level tasks over time.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 days remote)
Office Location(s): Paris, Ile-de-France, France
Geographic Context:
- Paris is the capital and most populous city of France, with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving sports scene
- The Ile-de-France region is home to numerous sports facilities, events, and athletic organizations
- France is a major player in the global sports industry, with a strong focus on running and athletics
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement)
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a good balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to optimize their work-life balance.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-depth behavioral and technical interviews
- Final round interview with key stakeholders
- Background and reference checks
Key Assessment Areas:
- Industry knowledge and expertise in running
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Project management and organizational skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with New Balance's values
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your passion for running and understanding of the sport's industry
- Showcase your project management and organizational skills with specific examples
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving and communication skills
- Research New Balance's company culture and values to ensure a strong fit
ATS Keywords: Sports Marketing, Athlete Management, Running, Track & Field, Cross Country, Road Running, World Athletics, Stakeholder Management, Project Management, Hybrid Work, French, English
ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's industry knowledge, communication skills, and cultural fit with New Balance.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be proficient in using project management tools, social media platforms, and CRM software to manage athlete relationships and marketing activities.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Empowerment through sport and craftsmanship
- Innovation and continuous improvement
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Accountability and integrity
- Sustainability and social responsibility
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible
- Results-driven and proactive
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with New Balance's commitment to empowering people through sport and craftsmanship?
- Describe a time when you demonstrated strong project management skills and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
- How do you approach building and maintaining strong professional relationships with diverse stakeholders?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully managed a complex project with multiple moving parts and tight deadlines?
- How do you ensure that you are consistently delivering high-quality work, even when working remotely?
ASSUMPTION: New Balance values candidates who are passionate about sport, committed to innovation, and dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
- Balancing on-site and remote work effectively
- Adapting to the unique needs and preferences of individual athletes
- Navigating the complex governance structures of World Athletics
- Working with diverse stakeholders across multiple countries and time zones
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to manage multiple projects effectively, adapt to different work environments, and navigate complex organizational structures.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on running and athlete management within the sports marketing industry
- Compared to other sports marketing roles, this position requires a deep understanding of the running industry and its specific governance structures
- Career progression in this role may involve expanding responsibilities to cover additional sports or regions, rather than moving into a more senior-level position within the sports marketing team
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for candidates with a strong background in running and athlete management to make a significant impact in the sports marketing industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive athlete management strategy for New Balance's running portfolio
- Coordinating athlete participation in major international running events and competitions
- Managing athlete product assortments and ensuring optimal support for athlete performance needs
- Analyzing and evaluating athlete performance data to inform marketing strategies and improve athlete support
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have experience managing athlete relationships, coordinating events, and analyzing performance data to drive marketing strategies and improve athlete support.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's approach to athlete management and how this role fits into that strategy?
- How does the company support athletes' personal growth and development, both on and off the track?
- Can you provide an example of a successful athlete marketing campaign and the role this position played in its execution?
- How does the company measure the success of its athlete marketing programs, and how would this role contribute to that process?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within this role and the sports marketing team?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help you better understand the role's responsibilities, the company's approach to athlete management, and the opportunities for professional growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving and communication skills
- Research New Balance's company culture and values to ensure a strong fit
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
