Job Description

Job Description

Sports Marketing Manager

This role follows a hybrid work schedule, with in-office days on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at our Cypress, CA location, and remote work on Monday and Friday.

WE ARE SPEEDO

The world's leading swimwear brand, Speedo is passionate about life in and around the water. The brand's heritage of innovation derives from its leadership in competitive swimming, where more Olympic Gold Medals have been won in Speedo than any other brand. Unmatched in performance, fit and feel, we are also America’s #1 goggle brand.

From the first splash, to every stroke, the genuine love and excitement we have working with the water is what creates exciting and meaningful relationships.

Speedo is not where we work, but is who we are.

It’s watching a baby in the pool for the first time or our athletes make history. What we do is sacred to us and our connection to the rest of water lovers around the world. Driven by the challenge, not the glory. At Speedo, it is never enough to be good at what you do; you have to love what you do.

Speedo is a part of the Pentland Brands Limited Family.

We are Pentland Brands, a global family business bringing some of the most loved active and footwear brands to millions of people around the world.

We own Speedo, Berghaus, Canterbury of New Zealand, Endura, Mitre, ellesse, Red or Dead and we’re the UK licensee for Kickers and have a joint venture partnership for Lacoste footwear. Our products are available in over 190 countries and are sold either directly by Group companies or are represented by licensees and distributors.

All our brands have their own unique identities and every one of them is powered by Pentland. We have more than 1,200 employees worldwide and we’re always on the lookout for talented, enthusiastic people to help shape our future.

We celebrate differences and give everyone the freedom to innovate and develop, be it through creative working environments or learning opportunities. Our brands are there in the moments that matter - being there for more people, in more of those moments, drives everything we do.

At Pentland, we’re guided by four principles, we use these to make sure we’re not only doing a great job, but we’re doing it in the right way:

• Success is a team game
• With clarity and courage
• Better as standard
• In good conscience

We believe in building brands for the world to love, generation after generation. Your potential is our potential and together we can build and grow brands that last.

KEY PURPOSE

The Sports Marketing Manager co-creates and executes Speedo’s athlete and partnership strategy across North America. This role manages athlete and agent relationships, coordinates partnerships with federations, universities, and teams, and delivers high-impact activations that strengthen Speedo’s leadership in swimming.

Working closely with senior leaders, internal teams, and external partners, this role ensures Speedo’s athlete and partnership programs drive brand relevance, inspire the next generation of swimmers, and deliver measurable commercial and brand results.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Athlete & Partnership Strategy

• Co-create and execute Speedo’s athlete and partnership strategy in alignment with brand and commercial priorities.
• Manage day-to-day relationships with Team Speedo athletes, agents, and key sports partners.
• Support athlete contract negotiations, renewals, and onboarding in collaboration with legal, finance, and global teams.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective athletes across professional, collegiate, and junior levels.
• Manage Speedo’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program, ensuring athletes reflect Speedo’s values and long-term growth ambitions.

Federation, University & Team Partnerships

• Manage Speedo’s partnerships with federations, universities, and teams, ensuring contract fulfillment and strong relationship management.
• Collaborate with the Team Sales function to drive brand visibility and product adoption at the grassroots and elite levels.
• Work with internal stakeholders to ensure partnerships are activated consistently and deliver measurable outcomes.

Activations & Events

• Plan and execute athlete appearances, content, and event activations that bring Speedo’s purpose to life.
• Partner with the brand and activations teams to deliver engaging campaigns and experiences that elevate Speedo’s athlete storytelling.
• Support logistics and onsite management for key events such as Olympic Trials, collegiate championships, and federation gatherings.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Sales, Product, and Brand Marketing teams to integrate athlete and partnership storytelling into commercial campaigns.
• Partner with the Community and Influencer teams to ensure clear differentiation and alignment across all partnership programs.
• Provide athlete and partnership insights to inform product development and brand storytelling.

Measurement & Reporting

• Track and evaluate sponsorship ROI, athlete performance, and partnership outcomes.
• Support reporting and presentations for leadership on athlete strategy, NIL progress, and partnership activation performance.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• 5–7 years of experience in sports marketing, athlete management, or sponsorships - ideally within swim, Olympic, or performance sports.
• Strong understanding of athlete and partnership marketing, including NIL and collegiate sports.
• Proven experience managing or supporting partnerships with federations, athletic programs, or sports organizations.
• Excellent relationship management and communication skills with athletes, agents, and sports partners.
• Demonstrated ability to execute strategic programs and measure performance.
• Collaborative, proactive, and passionate about Speedo’s mission and competitive heritage.
• Positive, energetic, and fun - able to inspire athletes, partners, and teammates while representing Speedo’s competitive heritage.

Pay Range: $110,000 - $125,000 annually

Base pay is a portion of our total compensation package and determined within a range that allows growth and development within your role. Your base pay will be determined based on experience, skills and qualifications.

Pentland Brands and Speedo are equal opportunity employers and considers all applicants for employment on the basis of their individual capabilities and qualifications, consistent with applicable law and without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military status or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law. In addition to complying with all applicable laws, we have a strong corporate commitment to inclusion, diversity and to ensuring that all current and future associates are compensated solely on job-related factors such as skill, ability, educational background, work quality, experience and potential. To achieve these goals, applicants are asked not to disclose salary history information.

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