Principal, Sports Marketing, Global Football, League partnerships

Football is more than a game. It is culture, community, and connection. In this role, you will shape how NIKE shows up with some of its most important partners, driving impact through NIKE’s league partnerships across EMEA. This is a senior leadership role with broad responsibility for the overall relationship between NIKE and key football partners.    The primary focus is the partnership with UEFA/UC3 across the European Men’s Club Competitions.    WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH  Based at NIKE’s European Headquarters in Hilversum, the Netherlands, this person will join the EMEA Sports Marketing team and report directly to the Senior Director, Sports Marketing, Global Football EMEA.    Collaboration will be central to success. This person will work closely with the EMEA Football Partnerships team to drive business impact, the Global Football & Equipment Accessories team based at the PHK campus in Beaverton to manage the official match ball product journey, and Brand teams across EMEA to maximize the value of the partnership.    Externally, this person will represent NIKE with UEFA/UC3 and its agency partners, serving as the driving force behind strong partnership management, seamless contract execution, and long-term relationship growth.

LOOKING FOR  NIKE is seeking a strategic and influential Sports Marketing leader who can operate effectively in a senior, high-impact environment. This person will lead and elevate NIKE’s partnership with UEFA/UC3 while supporting local Sports Marketing teams responsible for league partnerships across the region.    This individual will bring deep football industry expertise, strong partnership management capabilities, relationship-building skills, product strategy knowledge, and excellence in contract execution. They will be trusted to make high-impact decisions, influence senior stakeholders, and drive long-term strategic outcomes.    You will bring:  • Extensive Sports Marketing experience within the football industry, including leagues, clubs, federations, and international football organizations.  • A proven track record in sales and/or brand marketing, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and deliver measurable business and brand impact.  • Strong leadership capabilities, with experience guiding cross-functional teams, developing talent, and enabling innovative execution.  • Exceptional relationship-building skills that foster trust and collaboration with both external partners and internal stakeholders.  • Fluency in English. Knowledge of French, Spanish, or Italian is beneficial for collaboration across multiple markets.  • Flexibility to travel primarily within Europe to strengthen partnerships and deliver results.  • Flexibility to support key football moments that may occur outside standard business hours.  • A collaborative mindset, positive energy, and a passion for contributing to the EMEA Football Sports Marketing team.    WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON  • Lead Strategic League Partnerships, with a focus on UEFA Men’s Club Competitions: You will own and manage NIKE’s commercial and marketing relationships with UEFA and its European men’s club competitions portfolio. You will help define partnership strategies that maximize contractual rights, align to NIKE’s brand and business priorities, and create measurable impact across football. You will lead cross-functional planning and execution with stakeholders across Sports Marketing, Brand Marketing, Merchandising, Marketplace, Communications, Legal, and Operations.    • Serve as the Primary Relationship Manager and Connector: You will act as NIKE’s strategic and day-to-day lead for UEFA and UC3, building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and creating strong collaboration at every level. You will represent NIKE in partner engagements, identify opportunities to strengthen the partnership, and ensure seamless coordination between external