Partnership Manager - NZ

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Sport Management or related discipline.
• Proven experience in sports marketing, partnership management, or brand activations.
• Background in apparel, footwear, or consumer sporting goods is highly regarded.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to meet deadlines across multiple projects.
• Experienced in stakeholder and relationship management at all levels.
• Skilled in campaign planning, product logistics, and partner servicing.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret campaign results, budgets, and performance data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with confidence in presenting and reporting.
• Deep understanding of athlete, ambassador, and team marketing environments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel and PowerPoint).
• Familiar with product tracking systems and budget management tools.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and highly organised.
• Able to work independently and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Passionate about sport, brand storytelling, and building lasting partnerships.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic marketing environment.

The Partnership Manager is responsible for managing the key aspects of managing and servicing key PUMA Partnerships within local Team Sport in New Zealand.

The Partnership Manager will focus on collaborating closely with the Internal and external stakeholders to manage the critical path sign off process and key merchandise touchpoints for each of our Local teams to ensure PUMA fulfils their contractual obligations with regards to product design and delivery.

The role involves working closely with Local Licensed, Brand and Commercial Marketing, Retail and Operations to ensure full delivery of product to the teams and outlets along with management of some partnership benefits. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure all partnership agreements are fulfilled, including product and marketing deliverables.
• Manage the critical path, range book sign-off, and product delivery process for teams and retail partners.
• Collaborate with Sports Licensing, Operations, and Customer Service to forecast, track, and deliver athlete and team orders in full and on time.
• Identify marketing leverage opportunities with partners aligned to PUMA’s calendar and brand strategy.
• Lead NZ marketing activations, working with internal stakeholders and external agencies from concept to execution.
• Manage athlete and ambassador relationships, including forecasting and ordering product, tracking budgets, and supporting appearances.
• Partner with Brand Marketing and agency teams to build and execute 12-month integrated marketing plans.
• Work closely with PR agencies to maximise earned media opportunities and brand coverage.
• Support sell-in and GTM planning, providing NZ input into wider Oceania marketing initiatives.
• Monitor and report on athlete and team performance, social/media activity, and partnership KPIs.
• Manage NZ partnership marketing budgets and ensure accurate OPEX reporting.
• Supply digital assets, imagery, and branding to support partner activation and contractual benefits.
• Support partner hospitality, signage, and retail merchandising as needed.
• Stay informed on sports marketing trends and recommend new approaches and innovations.
• Provide backup to the Athlete Relationship Manager and assist with ad hoc requests related to ambassadors or teams.