SSG Sports Industry, Sr. Marketing Manager

Role Summary:

The SSG Sports Industry Marketing Manager will lead strategy, narrative development, and content direction for Lenovo's Solutions and Services Group within the global sports industry. This role is responsible for shaping how Lenovo SSG shows up across sports partnerships-defining positioning, messaging, and content that connect sports industry needs with Lenovo's services-led value proposition.

This role partners closely with offering managers, sales, and industry experts to ensure sports partnerships are grounded in a clear strategic narrative and supported by high-impact content, thought leadership, and customer-facing storytelling. While FIFA World Cup cycles in 2026 and 2027 represent a major strategic focus, this role owns year-round sports industry marketing strategy beyond any single event.

The ideal candidate is a strategic marketer and strong storyteller who can translate complex technology and services into compelling industry-relevant narratives and guide cross-functional teams from strategy through execution.

Key Responsibilities:

* Own the sports industry marketing strategy for SSG, including positioning, messaging frameworks, and content priorities aligned to business objectives.

* Develop and evolve the sports industry narrative that articulates how Lenovo SSG enables outcomes across leagues, teams, venues, and global sports organizations.

* Lead development of strategic content including messaging platforms, customer stories, thought leadership, presentations, and executive-facing materials.

* Partner closely with activation, partnership, and events teams to ensure all sports industry activations are grounded in a consistent, strategic story.

* Provide strategic oversight and direction for SSG customer engagement and hospitality programs tied to major events, including FIFA World Cup cycles, ensuring alignment with broader SSG objectives.

* Collaborate with sales and industry teams to support pipeline development through industry-relevant messaging, use cases, and enablement content.

* Serve as a senior marketing partner to internal stakeholders, advising on sports industry strategy, priorities, and investment decisions.

* Monitor sports industry, technology, and services trends to inform content strategy and reinforce Lenovo's leadership position.

* Track performance and effectiveness of sports industry marketing initiatives, translating insights into ongoing strategy refinement.

* Mentor and guide junior team members, contributing to capability building across the SSG sports marketing team.

Basic Requirements:

* 8-10+ years of experience in marketing, industry marketing, sponsorship marketing, or partnership strategy roles.

* Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field.

* Demonstrated experience developing marketing strategy, positioning, and content frameworks.

* Experience in enterprise technology, services, AI technology, and/or B2B solutions marketing.

* Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.

* Proven ability to operate effectively in a complex, matrixed, global organization.

Preferred Requirements:

* Experience working within or marketing to the sports industry, including leagues, teams, venues, or major global events.

* Strong understanding of sponsorship strategy and how partnerships support business and brand objectives.

* Experience developing executive-level content and thought leadership.

* Comfort leading through influence rather than direct authority.

* Proficiency with AI and modern marketing productivity tools.

Desired Interpersonal Qualities:

* Strategic, analytical thinker with strong storytelling instincts.

* Confident, credible partner to senior leaders and cross-functional teams.

* Highly collaborative and comfortable navigating ambiguity.

* Calm and decisive in high-visibility, high-pressure environments.

* Curious, proactive, and continuously focused on improvement and innovation.

Additional Information:

* Preference for this role is Raleigh, NC; however, the role may be home-based within the U.S., with a preference for Eastern or Central time zones. If you're near our Chicago or Raleigh offices, we follow a friendly hybrid model with three days a week in the office-great for collaboration and connection! Expected travel for this role is 10-20%. Travel will increase around major sports events and strategic customer engagements, particularly during FIFA World Cup cycles.

* The base salary range budgeted for this position is $144,000 to $180,000. Individuals may also be considered for bonuses and/or commissions. Lenovo offers competitive compensation, bonus eligibility, and a comprehensive benefits package. Details are available at www.lenovobenefits.com. In compliance with Colorado's EPEWA, the expected Application Deadline for this position is 3/14/2026 - this applies to both internal and external candidates

* Lenovo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic.