Marketing Manager: Brand and Sponsorship

African Bank; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bank in South Africa is seeking a Sponsorship Manager to enhance brand visibility through strategic sponsorship initiatives and effective marketing campaigns. This role involves full accountability for conceptualizing and executing sponsorship strategies, managing budgets, and collaborating with internal teams. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field and over five years of experience in marketing within the financial services industry.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in sponsorship/brand management in banking.
• Experience with trackable marketing campaigns on big brands.
• Strong relationship-building skills with clients and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage sponsorship opportunities and marketing campaigns.
• Create and maintain relationships with internal and external clients.
• Oversee budget management for sponsorships and brand initiatives.

Skills

Brand Management

Sponsorship Management

Campaign Management

Stakeholder Management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Sponsorship Management or Brand Management

Job description

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

To enhance brand visibility, managing sponsorship initiatives, and executing marketing campaigns that strengthen the bank’s market position. Responsible for brand and sponsorship strategies and associated campaigns to achieve business objectives. Responsible for conceptualization, execution, management, monitoring, and reporting on the performance of brand and sponsorship initiatives in line with brand objectives. Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to execute sponsorship events and campaigns.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Sponsorship Management/ Brand Management, and or Project Management 5 years of previous experience in a similar role (NQF Level 7).
• Minimum 5+ years of working experience in a similar role with trackable marketing campaign management experience working on big brands in the financial services or banking industry

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Treating customers fairly and compliance

• Create and maintain productive relationships with internal and external clients by providing advice and assistance
• Create understanding of the ‘real’ versus ‘perceived’ need through experience and expertise while complying with company policies, legislation and regulations
• Keep the client informed about progress through written communication, telephone communications, and/or face-to-face meetings
• Build a positive image by exceeding client expectations at all times
• Treat internal and external customers fairly at all times

Sponsorship & Partnership

• Identify and manage sponsorship opportunities that align with the bank’s brand positioning and business goals
• Assist to negotiate sponsorship agreements, ensuring maximum brand exposure and return on investment (ROI)
• Execute on activation strategies to leverage sponsorships for customer engagement and brand awareness
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to execute sponsorship events and campaigns
• Conduct an annual review of all sponsorship agreements including assessing performance against financial targets and seeking feedback from sponsors to secure ongoing support and involvement and/or understand where further value can be created for them
• In partnership with the Rights Owners or any other external partners, ensure proper documentation of campaign deliverables and post-campaign analysis reports
• Act as the primary contact for all sponsorship matters and inquiries including managing the sponsorship mailbox.

Budget Management

• An operating budget may be available for marketing/promotional activities and should be determined and managed in association with the business partner
• Manage budgets for sponsorships and brand initiatives, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficiency
• Ensure that sponsorship deals provide maximum brand exposure and benefits within the allocated budget
• Prepare reports and presentations on sponsorship impact, campaign performance, and brand health
• Maintain detailed records of all expenses related to brand initiatives and sponsorships
• Ensure all sponsorship and marketing expenses comply with internal financial policies and banking regulations

Brand Management

• Playing a lead role in creating integrated brand and sponsorship campaigns based on market segments with the objective to retain existing customers and acquire new customers
• Ensure consistency in brand messaging across all channels, aligning with the bank’s values and objectives
• Monitor brand performance through market research, customer feedback, and competitive analysis
• Liaise with Rights Owners and other external partners to ensure African Bank derives a measure and considered Return on Investment across the brand and sponsorship portfolio

Stakeholder Management

• Map out all relevant internal and external stakeholders and sponsorship vendors
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, including product teams, corporate communications, and digital marketing, to ensure cohesive messaging
• Develop and manage external professional relationships with sponsors as well as driving integration with internal stakeholders
• Manage professional and ongoing relationships with sponsors including ensuring all sponsorship agreements are honoured and expectations and needs are met
• Communicate brand expectations and deliverables to external partners to ensure alignment
• Gather feedback from internal and external stakeholders on the effectiveness of sponsorships and brand campaigns

People Management

• Manage and develop team
• Performance management
• Training and development
• Employee relations
• Recruitment
• Leave
• Coaching and upskilling of team