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Lions Rugby (Pty) Ltd (previously Ellis Park Stadium (Pty) Ltd) (“Lions”), in collaboration with its third-party advisor, has developed the job specifications and ideal qualities for the next Lions CEO. Applicants for the position will be evaluated by a committee. A handful of finalists will be interviewed by representatives of the Lions’ board, with the new CEO likely to be hired by the end of the first quarter of 2012.
Position Summary
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Reports to: Lions Board of Directors
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate is an accomplished executive / business leader with proven ability and success in growing revenue whilst controlling costs, managing a staff of professionals and working productively with a strong, diverse board of directors. He/she will be a passionate, responsive leader and diplomat, skilled at business management, collaboration, and a team player.
The candidate must be an excellent communicator who is skilled at building consensus, issue management and dispute resolution. Will work effectively with the board of directors and across a complex and diverse organization to accelerate the realization of the Lions’ vision and strategic plan. The applicants must have the courage, personal drive, passion and enthusiasm to both understand and successfully navigate a dynamic and political environment striving toward improved relations with all the Lions’ stakeholders.
It will be beneficial if they are someone who is either in or has a history with sport and who possesses a true passion for sport and has knowledge of how professional sport is organized and operates from the grassroots to the international arena to gain immediate trust from the key stakeholders. It is a given that this person has experience in the nuts and bolts of marketing, media/sponsorship sales; what sets them apart is their strengths in both disciplines and ability to deliver unprecedented results and elevate the Lions brand.
Willing to take actions to inspire and energize others around the vision for the Lions' future while demonstrating primary concern for leading and motivating others to achieve the organizations goals. This individual must respect and be highly respected by subordinates, peers, and superiors. A leader with integrity who inspires loyalty, trust and can influence and energize people and teams, and make cross-region, cross-organizational cooperation happen. Possesses the intellect and executive presence to paint the big picture and become a collaborative partner who is capable of contributing to broader sports conversations beyond their functional expertise.
Candidate Specifications
Role and Responsibilities:
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and staff of the Lions work to carry out the policies set forth by the board of directors and administer the day-to-day duties of the organization. The CEO is the spokesperson and will lead all aspects of the Lions with integrity and in accordance with a strategic plan and Board policies, including a specific focus on managing financial performance, while giving appropriate consideration to the rules and policies of applicable local and international laws and regulations governing the sport and the business.
Core Competencies:
A Passionate Leader. Dynamic personality who knows how to motivate, inspire and empower to drive the team for results. Conveys a sense of urgency that fosters a culture of consistently meeting if not exceeding expectations. Has the emotional intelligence to rise above the noise and frustrations that arise from change to see their actions through to positive conclusions for all.
Innovative Marketing and Sales Professional. Savvy in marketing and building a business while being passionate about selling the sport to the fan base, sponsors and television. Knows how to leverage their own connections and the connections of others to open doors and drive revenue. Continuously developing new ways of "creating events and buzz" that will allow the Lions to exceed sponsors activation expectations and contribute to harnessing the growth of running, building the fan base and everyone's engagement in the sport at both the grassroots and professional level.
Supporter of the players. Knows that the Lions exist because of and for the players. Recognizes that the players will embrace a leader who embraces them and understands their value and deals constructively with their idiosyncrasies with compassion. Fights for and protects their interests.
Skilled Team Builder. Enjoys building and leading teams with diverse perspectives and talents while creating a great place to work for their people where individual and team victories are celebrated and everyone is held accountable for delivering results. Highly effective at collaborating, builds alliances and rapport within the organization from the board level whilst being committed to transformation and development at grassroots level. Respects and gets along easily with people; will develop and mentor the team.
Specific Responsibilities:
Strategy. In conjunction with the Board and other senior management, is responsible and accountable for growth and development of rugby as a major sport. Develop the Lions’ short and long-term operating plans consistent with the overall strategic plan and designed to grow revenues and move the Lions on an accelerated growth path. Develop and monitor these plans in line with budgets.
Communication. Operates with an open door and an open mind. Solicits input and perspective on key issues and projects and is an active listener who builds consensus and finds the common ground in resolving issues. Keeps the Board, constituencies and staff informed and up to date on important issues and developments in a productive give-and-take manner and follows through on commitments. Deals effectively with the media.
Revenue. Responsible for leading the sales effort and the team in the acquisition, maintenance, and retention of sponsors. Sell at high levels; coordinate the advertising, promotion, and public relations activities to assure growth of the Lions brand and the sport of rugby. Develop marketing strategies that consider the Lions as a whole as well as the promotion of specific events and players.
Performance. Event management and innovative presentation of rugby including programmatic support of development (training centers, summits, sports science, etc.) - and the expectation of creating/supporting an environment that maximizes player performance, and brings results on the world stage.
Development. Programs and event management support for amateur rugby.
Innovation. Translate fresh ideas, innovative new thinking and conventional best practices into the Lions’ context to ensure that it stays on the leading edge of marketing and develops a powerful brand presence for the Lions. Experienced with "new media" (internet, webcasts, social networking, virtual communities, etc.)
Culture. Strengthen and maintain a can-do, goal-oriented, entrepreneurial environment that stresses employee performance, responsiveness, teamwork, management credibility, success and a servant-leader culture.
Resources. Directs and coordinates business activities, costs, operations, and forecast data to determine progress toward stated goals and objectives. Sets and meets budgets that reflect tough choices and financial constraints. Knows how to creatively use all the talent available to leverage the staff.
Experience Requirements:
Previous CEO / President / COO or equivalent leadership experience preferred.
Minimum 10 years executive level experience and a track record of growth and success where best practices are utilized with significant business management and strategy development experience.
Preferably, tertiary education should include a relevant degree from a recognized university.
Financial management experience will be advantageous.
Preferably a minimum of 5 years sports marketing, joint venture, licensing, sponsor relationship experience whereby the person understands the way the sports industry operates today as well as in the rapidly changing new media world.
Experience with developing a strategic and visionary plan in tune with a dynamic environment that will be universally accepted and executed with measurable success.
Has established relationships with business CEOs, media partners, and sports leaders that can be leveraged.
Has experience and insights in both the business world and the non-profit world coupled with
negotiation skills (re: sponsor contracts, meet director deals, player demands, etc.)
Joint Venture experience and the ability to work with multiple parties and constituents to accomplish goals and objectives.
Ability to convey a passion for rugby and be a natural spokesperson who embraces and represents the heroes of yesterday and tomorrow.
Understanding of today's youth and next generation in order to attract, relate and promote the future audience as well as players of tomorrow.
The political instinct and acumen with skills in issues management and dispute resolution as well as the maturity to operate on many levels intellectually while bringing diverse groups to consensus, always knowing the overall success of the Lions in serving the players so that they can excel is the most critical and essential outcome.
The ability to build positive relationships with the board, the staff and the amateur structures.
A strong reputation of authenticity, integrity, and accomplishments with peers and other industry executives that will garner instant credibility within the Lions and sponsor families.
Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal, and presentations. Excels in presenting the players and the sport in the media.
A proven record of hiring exceptionally talented individuals who work as a team.
The proven ability to build on the organization's financial stability, as well as maintain growth.
Experience with successfully and strategically addressing controversial topics with the media.
Compensation
Compensation includes a competitive base salary; performance bonus linked to financial and team performance results
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