Activation Manager at JD Sports

At JD Sports, we are a global leader in sports, street, and premium fashion. With over 60,000 colleagues and more than 3,400 stores across 30 markets, we are dedicated to being a digital-first, customer-focused organization. We are currently looking for a creative and methodical professional to join our team in Bury, where you will help us maintain our edge by delivering world-class brand experiences that resonate with our audience.

The role

We are seeking an Activation Manager to join our team on a full-time, on-site basis. This is a mid-level position perfect for someone with a background in planning and executing brand and partnership activations within an omnichannel retail environment. You will work a 40-hour week, Monday through Friday, and will be responsible for driving brand awareness for JD and our high-profile third-party partners.

Core responsibilities

• Lead the planning and delivery of activations across the UK and Ireland, ensuring every project aligns with our core business strategy and maintains our unique tone of voice.
• Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of events, including ideation, logistics, health and safety compliance, and budget forecasting to ensure a positive return on investment.
• Collaborate with internal creative teams and external partners, such as Nike, adidas, and Live Nation, to execute innovative campaigns that keep us ahead of the competition.

Skills and experience

To succeed in this role, you should possess a strong blend of leadership and project management abilities. We are looking for the following qualifications:

• At least 3 years of professional experience in event or activation management.
• A proven track record of delivering successful brand activations for global, industry-leading companies.
• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage complex budgets, prioritize tasks, and lead teams effectively.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to manage stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally.
• A flexible, solution-oriented mindset and a willingness to work evenings or weekends when project requirements demand it.

Compensation and benefits

We value the hard work our team puts in to maintain our status as a retail leader. As part of our team, you will have access to a variety of perks, including:

• An incremental holiday allowance.
• Generous staff discounts on qualifying purchases across our retail stores and online platforms.
• Access to an exclusive colleague bike discount scheme.
• Discounted gym memberships.
• Ongoing personal development opportunities, including access to apprenticeships and accredited qualifications.

How to apply

If you are ready to contribute to our growth and help us deliver premium brand experiences, please click the Apply Now button. Our talent team will review all applications, and those who meet our criteria will be invited to an initial meeting. Shortlisted candidates will then proceed to an interview with the hiring manager. Please note that if you do not hear from us within two weeks, your application was not successful on this occasion.