Nike Restructures Sports Marketing Operations Amidst Broader Layoffs
Nike, Inc. Is undergoing a restructuring of its Sports Marketing operations, as part of broader company changes impacting its workforce in Beaverton, Oregon. The changes focus on streamlining processes and enhancing strategic execution within the athlete marketing sector, according to a recent job posting and internal communications.
Key Changes and Role of the Senior Manager, Sports Marketing Operations
The restructuring centers around optimizing how Nike serves athletes and amplifies brand and business priorities. A key role in this effort is the Senior Manager, Sports Marketing Operations, who will be responsible for driving clarity, efficiency, and removing obstacles for the Sports Marketing team. This individual will report to the Sr. Director, Sports Marketing Sport Operations and collaborate with various teams across Sports Marketing and key functional areas.
The Senior Manager will focus on managing day-to-day processes, tools, and reporting to enable strategic execution and decision-making. Responsibilities include driving seasonal planning, overseeing product strategy and buying processes, and leading internal collaboration to manage timelines and deliverables. A significant aspect of the role involves integrating best practice operating models throughout the function and ensuring accountability for successful outcomes.
Collaboration and Integration
Successful execution of this role requires extensive collaboration. The Senior Manager will work closely with:
- Sports Marketing leads, athlete/team representatives
- Athlete Development, Moment, and Services teams
- Sport Solutions & Systems and Reporting teams
- Business Integration and Marketing Planning & Operations teams
This cross-functional partnership aims to embed athletes into the enterprise process and plans, ensuring alignment between athlete service, brand strategy, and business priorities.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Nike is seeking a strategic, operationally excellent, and collaborative teammate for this position. The ideal candidate will possess:
- 8+ years of experience in Sports Marketing, Brand Marketing, Marketing Operations, Business Operations, or Strategic Planning.
- A Bachelor’s degree in Sports Marketing, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- A passion for sport and athletes.
- Strong project management skills and a track record of leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
- Proficiency in planning, collaboration, and presentation tools such as Airtable and Keynote.
- Exceptional communication and storytelling skills.
Focus Areas for the Role
The Senior Manager, Sports Marketing Operations will be heavily involved in:
- Seasonal Planning: Driving the process, operating rhythm, and reporting for seasonal planning and athlete initiatives.
- Product Planning & Operations: Managing the product strategy and buying process to align athlete service with brand and business priorities.
- Operations Excellence: Leading internal collaboration, managing planning tools, and driving process improvements.
- X-Functional Collaboration: Representing Sports Marketing strategies in cross-functional forums.
These efforts are intended to enhance consistency in Sport team processes, integrate best practices, and drive accountability across the organization.