Senior Communications Manager, Sports & Entertainment Partnerships

Lenovo
United States, North Carolina, Morrisville
Dec 14, 2024
General Information Req # WD00076079 Career area: Marketing Country/Region: United States of America State: North Carolina City: Morrisville Date: Friday, December 13, 2024 Working time: Full-time Additional Locations: * United States of America - Florida - Miami * United Kingdom - Hampshire - Farnborough * United States of America - North Carolina - Morrisville * Switzerland - Zurich - Zurich Why Work at Lenovo We are Lenovo. We do what we say. We own what we do. We WOW our customers. Lenovo is a US$57 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #248 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world's largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo's continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). This transformation together with Lenovo's world-changing innovation is building a more inclusive, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. To find out more visit www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub. Description and Requirements Role Overview: Lenovo's Corporate Marketing Group seeks a seasoned Senior Communications Manager with extensive experience and a proven track record in leveraging sports and entertainment partnerships to amplify global brand visibility. This role will primarily focus on leading communications for Lenovo's position as the official technology partner for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, while also supporting other key sports and entertainment initiatives. This newly created position offers an exciting opportunity to build a comprehensive communications strategy from the ground up. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with both Lenovo's core FIFA team and the global corporate communications team. Reporting to the Executive Director of Partnerships & Events based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and with a dotted line to the VP of Global Corporate Communications based in the UK, the role requires a driven self-starter with the ability to navigate a complex, global, matrixed environment and effectively partner with stakeholders at all levels. The ideal candidate will bring global experience and a multicultural mindset, gained through living, studying, or working in diverse environments. They must also demonstrate the flexibility to work beyond traditional hours to accommodate global collaboration and time zones. The position offers flexibility in location, with options to be based in London, Zurich, or at our Morissville, North Carolina location in the Unvited States. Lenovo's corporate marketing group spans brand management, communications, events, social media, and corporate philanthropy, delivering an integrated strategy to elevate the company's global reputation. Key goals include: Showcasing Lenovo's innovation and its impact in building a smarter future. Enhancing trust and desirability among customers and stakeholders. Inspiring pride among employees and attracting top innovators and changemakers. Engaging customers and stakeholders through meaningful and memorable experiences. Role Description: Lead and execute global communications strategies and campaigns for Lenovo's FIFA partnerships, targeting both external audiences and internal stakeholders. Build and maintain a strong partnership with FIFA, balancing Lenovo's objectives with those of the rightsholder. Drive media coverage of Lenovo's technology story through established media relationships and the cultivation of new ones. Create cross-channel narratives (paid, earned, owned, and social) that showcase Lenovo's technology through the lens of football fans. Bring industry insights and expertise in sports marketing to enhance Lenovo's communication strategy. Collaborate across Lenovo's communications network (business groups, regions, and markets) to seamlessly integrate FIFA partnership initiatives. Inspire and manage external agencies and partners to deliver exceptional results within budget and scope. Develop a measurement framework to evaluate the success of FIFA partnership communications, aligning with Lenovo's broader reputation metrics. Serve as a spokesperson for Lenovo's FIFA partnership when necessary. Required Qualifications: Direct experience working with football (soccer) or similarly high-profile global sports, including live events, e-sports, or gaming, either on the brand or rightsholder side. 10+ years of experience in a sports/entertainment communications role, either agency-side or in-house. Global experience and mindset gained through living, studying, or working in multicultural environments. Flexibility to work outside of traditional hours to accommodate global collaboration and time zones. Ability to travel as needed to support global events. Preferred Qualifications: Native or bilingual English speaker with exceptional oral and written communication skills. Verifiable existing relationships with sports media professionals. Proven ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, and matrixed environment. Skilled at influencing decentralized communications teams to drive unified results, with a focus on collaborating across Lenovo's business groups and geographic markets. Adept at building trust and fostering strong relationships with senior leaders, blending strategic advisory expertise with hands-on execution. Self-motivated with a results-oriented mindset, capable of delivering under pressure. Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field, Master's degree preferred. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any federal, state, or local protected class. Additional Locations: * United States of America - Florida - Miami * United Kingdom - Hampshire - Farnborough * United States of America - North Carolina - Morrisville * Switzerland - Zurich - Zurich * Italy, * Switzerland, * United Kingdom, * United States of America * Italy - Milano , * Switzerland - Zurich , * United Kingdom - Hampshire , * United States of America - Florida , * United States of America - North Carolina * United States of America - Florida - Miami , * United Kingdom - Hampshire - Farnborough , * United States of America - North Carolina - Morrisville , * Switzerland - Zurich - Zurich