Senior Lead - Brand Activation, Italy

Leads brand activation in the Italian market, operating 12 months ahead to own the seasonal and annual activation roadmap. It sits within On's EMEA Marketing team and reports to the Sub Regional Head of Marketing for South. The position is responsible for how the brand connects with, educates and activates communities in the market, working through storytelling, creative brand interactions and digital and experiential campaigns.

• Develop a localised brand activation calendar aligned with the Sub-Regional Marketing plan, coordinating closely with Brand Comms, B2B Partner Marketing and the country Sales team.
• Ensure executional excellence by adapting global and regional guidelines to the local market and consistently delivering the premium brand experience across all touchpoints.
• Create Key City and Cultural Calendars to build local activation plans and identify opportunities, collaborating closely with Regional Brand Marketing on creative development.
• Implement a holistic omni-channel approach by working closely with the local DTCR team, WHS partners and broader community networks.
• Develop the community engagement and activation plan, partnering with the local retail team to build and strengthen community programmes.
• Foster strong, enduring relationships with communities and partners through engagement, education and training, nurturing brand affinity and loyalty.
• Own the strategic performance and local marketing relationship of key federation and governing body partnerships, orchestrating on-the-ground activations to deliver maximum partnership visibility and engagement.
• Deliver impactful events that resonate with and engage both partners and community audiences, driving brand activation in the market.
• Define clear objectives, KPIs and requirements for the team, report on Brand Activation initiatives and bring local data-driven insights into the Sub-Region.
• Oversee the local brand activation budget through effective planning, tracking and reporting, and lead and mentor the local Brand Activation / Community team to cultivate an inclusive, forward-thinking culture that encourages innovation, collaboration and personal growth.

• Typically +5 years relevant experience in a management position.
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to build, lead and mentor high-performing, diverse teams.
• Proven experience within local communities as well as events management.
• Strong knowledge of the local Italian market and cultural landscape.
• Fluent or C1+ level in Italian and English, both verbally and written.
• Valid EU driving licence and willingness to travel for business needs; accommodations can be made in accordance with local laws.
• Within proximity to Milan with flexibility to travel frequently.
• Strong understanding of brand strategy and proven experience translating it into local activations.
• Proven ability to develop and manage budgets effectively.
• Experience in setting and tracking KPIs and using data to inform decisions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with partners and communities.
• A strategic and growth-oriented mindset, with the ability to think big-picture while remaining hands-on when needed.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams, including sales, communications and retail.
• Ability to adapt global guidelines to the local market while maintaining brand consistency.

• Experience in the sportswear, streetwear, street-culture or entertainment industries.
• Experience on both brand and agency sides.
• Experience focused on running, fitness/training or tennis.