ABOUT FIFPRO

Founded in 1965, FIFPRO is the global union representing over 65,000 professional footballers from around the world. FIFPRO's objective is to protect and promote the rights and interests of professional football players. It works towards improving the working conditions, health and safety standards, and overall well-being of players. FIFPRO also advocates for equal opportunities, and non-discrimination in football.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Chief Commercial Officer of FIFPRO will be responsible for leading all of the organisation’s commercial activities, with the primary aim of maximising the revenue earned from the sale of collective player image rights and other commercial inventory across both the men’s and women’s game. They are expected to identify and pursue new revenue opportunities to support the continued growth of the organisation. This will involve leveraging their global network of contacts across a range of industries (incl. gaming, entertainment, sports, media).

The new Chief Commercial Officer will have been exposed to the latest trends in the sports licensing and image rights space, which will support them in maximising the value of both existing and new commercial agreements. The purpose of maximising FIFPRO’s commercial income is to provide as much funding as possible to allow FIFPRO to conduct its union-related activities (incl. directly supporting players, funding member unions, and challenging key stakeholders in the football ecosystem.)

The Chief Commercial officer will report directly to the Commercial Board, and will be responsible for building and managing a team of two commercial directors. They are expected to work closely with the executive management team to ensure the revenue forecast is well-understood and can be flowed through to the overall FIFPRO budgeting process. They will demonstrate an enthusiasm for women’s football and its commercial landscape.

The Chief Commercial Officer will be based at FIFPRO’s headquarters Hoofddorp, the Netherlands. Extensive travel will be required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop FIFPRO’s commercial strategy, approved by the Board, to maximise the value of collective Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, or other rights, FIFPRO utilises via its members

• Implement FIFPRO’s international commercial strategy

• Lead the negotiation and sale of collective NIL rights on behalf of FIFPRO and its members

• Identify and pursue new commercial opportunities and partnerships

• Maintain existing, and develop new relationships, with major players in sport and entertainment

• Conduct market research to identify trends, opportunities and potential partners within sports and entertainment

• Ensure the protection and fair exploitation of players’ NIL rights in all commercial dealings

• Advise FIFPRO members on strategies they can use to grow their own domestic income to reduce their reliance on contributions from FIFPRO

• Lead, manage and mentor the commercial team, setting measurable targets for each team member

• Fulfil and honour fiduciary duties as a statutory director of FIFPRO Holding

• Provide regular and comprehensive commercial updates to the Board on a quarterly basis (incl. revenue targets and forecasted projections)

ASSESSED KEY COMPETENCIES:

Commercial Track Record:

Proven experience of delivering and growing commercial revenues in sport, media and entertainment

Image Rights & Intellectual Property

Subject matter expertise on the commercial exploitation and monetisation of complex rights.

Innovation:

Demonstrable experience of creating innovative strategies that have driven commercial growth

Stakeholder Management:

High emotional intelligence and low ego, with the ability to develop positive working relationships, internally as well as externally

International Perspective

Previous experience of working internationally, across multiple cultures.

FIFPRO Mission Alignment

Alignment to FIFPRO’s mission and purpose

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Proven track record of success in senior commercial leadership roles, preferably within sports, media and entertainment

• Extensive experience in sourcing, negotiating and executing high-value licensing deals with third parties

• Understanding of NIL rights and how they are sold and used within the gaming industry

• Knowledge of the exploitation and marketing of other types of player data (e.g., positional, biometrics etc.)

• Prior experience in identifying and successfully actioning new commercial strategies

• Understanding of the gaming industry (incl. traditional gaming, arcade and simulation) and regulatory frameworks surrounding the use of IP rights

• Understanding of consumer products group licensing agreements, including trading cards, jerseys, apparel, and other licensed goods

• Existing international contact list to drive commercial conversations with organisations in sports and entertainment

• Strong leadership abilities, with a track record of building and motivating high-performing teams

• Strong intercultural communication skills and a team-oriented mindset, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and act as an ambassador for the organisation

• Credible, competent, well-presented and emotionally secure, projecting confidence and professionalism

• Strong presentation skills and ability to pitch opportunities at all levels

• Culturally sensitive, with a proven commitment to diversity and inclusion

• High-level of integrity and confidentiality

• Professional working proficiency in English is required

NICE TO HAVES

• Experience running a commercial team generating significant commercial revenue

• Experience in forming purpose-driven partnerships, particularly with charities or similar entities that emphasise values and purpose over traditional sponsorship metrics

• Experience in organising and executing fundraising events

• Familiarity in planning, organising, and executing events, with a particular focus on expanding and improving high-profile events (e.g., FIFPRO’s World XI awards)

• A genuine interest and passion for football

• Proficiency in either French or Spanish

Application Closing Date:

Please ensure you have submitted you application by 6pm CEST on Friday 11th October 2024.