Brand Activations + Events Manager
Fanatics Inc, Tampa, FL, United States
Brand Activation & Events Manager
Reporting to the Director of Brand Activation, the Brand Activation & Events Manager is responsible for owning and leading the planning, execution, and optimization of Fanatics and Nike brand events, activations, trade shows, and corporate sales meetings in alignment with overarching marketing strategy.
This role drives cross-functional alignment across internal teams and external partners to deliver best-in-class event programs, ensuring a high level of operational excellence and brand execution. The Manager is accountable for end-to-end program delivery, from strategic planning through execution and post-event analysis.
Core Responsibilities
Leading end-to-end event planning, scheduling, and execution across multiple programs
Driving logistics and operational strategy to ensure seamless delivery at scale
Managing and reconciling budgets, with accountability for financial performance and cost efficiencies
Overseeing the development and execution of displays, environments, and branded graphics in alignment with brand standards
Building and managing vendor and partner relationships to ensure quality and consistency
Leading on-site event execution, including oversight of staff, agencies, and partners
Evaluating program performance through ROI, insights, and continuous improvement recommendations
This role requires the ability to manage multiple priorities, operate in fast-paced environments, and influence cross-functional teams to deliver against business objectives.
Position requires up to 50% travel based on event schedule.
This position is based out of the Fanatics Tampa, FL office; remote employment may be considered for a qualified candidate.
Key Responsibilities (Expanded)
Lead the end-to-end execution of a portfolio of events, activations, and retail experiences across Fanatics and Nike business units
Establish event objectives, and success metrics aligned to marketing and business goals
Oversee planning, logistics, and execution across multiple concurrent large-scale activations
Ensure consistency and excellence in execution across all events, elevating overall program quality beyond individual projects
Provide clear direction, manage workloads, and ensure team accountability across all projects
Lead by example in high-pressure environments, ensuring composure, problem-solving, and execution excellence
Partner with Director to shape activation strategy, identifying opportunities to enhance fan engagement and retail impact
Recommend innovative experiential concepts, fixture strategies, and event enhancements
Leverage post-event insights, recap metrics, and learnings to continuously improve future activations and events
Drive consistency in planning processes, documentation, and standard operating procedures across the team
Serve as point of contact for assigned events to internal stakeholders (Marketing, Merchandising, Sales, Creative, Retail Ops)
Lead alignment across departments to ensure clarity on event strategy, scope, timelines, and deliverables
Manage external agencies, vendors, and fabrication partners to deliver high-quality execution
Own event budgets from planning through reconciliation, ensuring alignment with financial targets with the Director
Review and approve vendor estimates, negotiate costs, and identify efficiencies
Oversee expense tracking, POs, and invoicing processes across all assigned programs
Ensure accurate and timely budget reporting at weekly, monthly, and annual levels
Oversee all event logistics including staffing, shipping, installation, and on-site execution
Act as escalation point for complex operational challenges and real-time issue resolution
Ensure compliance with venue regulations, union labor requirements, and local guidelines
Maintain high standards across displays, graphics, fixtures, and overall brand presentation
Oversee event and asset inventory systems across vendors and storage location
Drive improvements to asset tracking, utilization, and lifecycle management
Ensure readiness and accuracy of all assets for upcoming activations
Recommend improvements to asset management systems and processes
Required Qualifications
5–8+ years of experience in brand marketing with experiential marketing, retail activations, and event management experience
Proven experience leading large-scale events and managing multiple concurrent activations
Prior people management or team leadership experience strongly preferred
Exceptional project management and organizational skills
Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities in fast-paced environments
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Experience managing budgets, vendors, and operational processes
Ability to travel up to 50%, including weekends and evenings as required
Experience in sports marketing, retail environments, or consumer brand activations helpful
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and/or SketchUp or similar rendering tools
Experience working with inventory management systems (e.g., Airtable or similar platforms)
Strong understanding of retail fixtures, event production, and experiential design
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Sports Marketing, or equivalent experience preferred
Job Info
Location: 5332 Avion Park Dr, Tampa, FL, 33607, US (Hybrid)
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Reporting to the Director of Brand Activation, the Brand Activation & Events Manager is responsible for owning and leading the planning, execution, and optimization of Fanatics and Nike brand events, activations, trade shows, and corporate sales meetings in alignment with overarching marketing strategy.
This role drives cross-functional alignment across internal teams and external partners to deliver best-in-class event programs, ensuring a high level of operational excellence and brand execution. The Manager is accountable for end-to-end program delivery, from strategic planning through execution and post-event analysis.
Core Responsibilities
Leading end-to-end event planning, scheduling, and execution across multiple programs
Driving logistics and operational strategy to ensure seamless delivery at scale
Managing and reconciling budgets, with accountability for financial performance and cost efficiencies
Overseeing the development and execution of displays, environments, and branded graphics in alignment with brand standards
Building and managing vendor and partner relationships to ensure quality and consistency
Leading on-site event execution, including oversight of staff, agencies, and partners
Evaluating program performance through ROI, insights, and continuous improvement recommendations
This role requires the ability to manage multiple priorities, operate in fast-paced environments, and influence cross-functional teams to deliver against business objectives.
Position requires up to 50% travel based on event schedule.
This position is based out of the Fanatics Tampa, FL office; remote employment may be considered for a qualified candidate.
Key Responsibilities (Expanded)
Lead the end-to-end execution of a portfolio of events, activations, and retail experiences across Fanatics and Nike business units
Establish event objectives, and success metrics aligned to marketing and business goals
Oversee planning, logistics, and execution across multiple concurrent large-scale activations
Ensure consistency and excellence in execution across all events, elevating overall program quality beyond individual projects
Provide clear direction, manage workloads, and ensure team accountability across all projects
Lead by example in high-pressure environments, ensuring composure, problem-solving, and execution excellence
Partner with Director to shape activation strategy, identifying opportunities to enhance fan engagement and retail impact
Recommend innovative experiential concepts, fixture strategies, and event enhancements
Leverage post-event insights, recap metrics, and learnings to continuously improve future activations and events
Drive consistency in planning processes, documentation, and standard operating procedures across the team
Serve as point of contact for assigned events to internal stakeholders (Marketing, Merchandising, Sales, Creative, Retail Ops)
Lead alignment across departments to ensure clarity on event strategy, scope, timelines, and deliverables
Manage external agencies, vendors, and fabrication partners to deliver high-quality execution
Own event budgets from planning through reconciliation, ensuring alignment with financial targets with the Director
Review and approve vendor estimates, negotiate costs, and identify efficiencies
Oversee expense tracking, POs, and invoicing processes across all assigned programs
Ensure accurate and timely budget reporting at weekly, monthly, and annual levels
Oversee all event logistics including staffing, shipping, installation, and on-site execution
Act as escalation point for complex operational challenges and real-time issue resolution
Ensure compliance with venue regulations, union labor requirements, and local guidelines
Maintain high standards across displays, graphics, fixtures, and overall brand presentation
Oversee event and asset inventory systems across vendors and storage location
Drive improvements to asset tracking, utilization, and lifecycle management
Ensure readiness and accuracy of all assets for upcoming activations
Recommend improvements to asset management systems and processes
Required Qualifications
5–8+ years of experience in brand marketing with experiential marketing, retail activations, and event management experience
Proven experience leading large-scale events and managing multiple concurrent activations
Prior people management or team leadership experience strongly preferred
Exceptional project management and organizational skills
Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities in fast-paced environments
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Experience managing budgets, vendors, and operational processes
Ability to travel up to 50%, including weekends and evenings as required
Experience in sports marketing, retail environments, or consumer brand activations helpful
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and/or SketchUp or similar rendering tools
Experience working with inventory management systems (e.g., Airtable or similar platforms)
Strong understanding of retail fixtures, event production, and experiential design
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Sports Marketing, or equivalent experience preferred
Job Info
Location: 5332 Avion Park Dr, Tampa, FL, 33607, US (Hybrid)
#J-18808-Ljbffr