Key Purpose
To lead the marketing, sponsorship and experiential marketing portfolio for Vitality, delivering integrated brand and member experiences that strengthen engagement, build brand affinity, and support strategic business objectives.
The role is accountable for developing and executing brand, communications, sponsorship and experiential marketing strategies across Vitality's flagship properties, including the Vitality Run Series, Team Vitality, running and cycling sponsorships and ambassador programmes, member rewards and experiences, strategic health and wellness activations, and new sponsorship opportunities.
Key responsibilities include defining and implementing brand and communication strategies, partnering with senior stakeholders to align marketing solutions to business objectives, assessing Discovery Ltd. registration number: 1999/007789/06. Companies in the group are authorised financial services providers. Discovery Group - Talent Acquisition Page 2 of 4 Confidential
Confidential
and optimising the impact of these strategies across the organisation, and collaborating closely with key partners, ambassadors and event organisers to drive business growth, positive brand sentiment and meaningful member engagement.
The role works closely with business stakeholders, race organisers, rights holders, agencies, suppliers and partners to maximise sponsorship value, deliver exceptional customer experiences and drive measurable business outcomes.
Important to note:
This role requires managing multiple projects and events at one time, and this is on-going throughout the year. You also need to be able to manage your own time and be a self-starter. Success requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, resilience, commercial acumen, creativity, work calmy under pressure, and be resilient. The successful candidate has the the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while consistently delivering exceptional member and partner experiences.
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY MAY INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
Lead the development and execution of sponsorship, experiential marketing and integrated communications strategies that support Vitality's business objectives, strengthen member engagement and enhance brand value. Translate complex business needs into strategically sound, creative and impactful campaigns, turning strategy into memorable experiences across running, cycling, wellness and member engagement platforms.
Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders, race organisers, rights holders, ambassadors, agencies, suppliers and partners to maximise sponsorship value, drive business growth and deliver strategic outcomes. Lead cross-functional collaboration across marketing, legal, finance, operations and customer experience teams to ensure seamless execution.
Oversee the planning and delivery of large-scale events, activations and member experiences, managing budgets, timelines, suppliers, governance, risk and operational excellence while ensuring alignment with Discovery's brand standards.
Leverage data, analytics and emerging technologies, including Generative AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, Adobe Firefly and Adobe Express or similar, to enhance planning, reporting, content creation, campaign performance and executive decision-making. Continuously identify opportunities to improve efficiency, creativity, customer engagement and commercial impact.
Develop and coach team members, fostering a high-performance culture that encourages innovation, collaboration and professional growth.
Technical skills and knowledge
Brand and communications strategy
Digital and social media marketing
Project management and planning
Presentation and communication skills
Sponsorship strategy, rights management and activation
Experiential marketing and event management
Stakeholder and partnership management
Budget management and financial acumen
Data analytics and reporting
Supplier management
Generative AI and AI-assisted productivity tools
Adobe Express and Adobe Firefly or similar
Content creation and visual storytelling
Dashboard development and performance reporting
Marketing technology and digital engagement platforms
Competencies
Customer-focused
Commercially minded
Problem solver
Manage and be responsible for budgets
Influential leader
Highly organised and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Coach and develop direct reports
Relationship Builder: Develops and maintains strong, collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders, external partners, and service providers.
Strategic Thinker: Understands the broader business context and aligns sponsorships and experiential marketing initiatives to organisational objectives.
Operational Excellence: Delivers projects efficiently, manages multiple priorities, and ensures high standards in execution.
Creative & Innovative: Brings fresh ideas, encourages creativity, and actively seeks new ways to enhance sponsorship and event impact.
Detail-Oriented: Pays close attention to logistics, compliance, and risk management, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Adaptable & Resilient: Responds positively to change, manages ambiguity, and remains calm under pressure.
Collaborative: Works effectively across teams, integrates diverse skills, and facilitates cross-functional cooperation.
Professional & Ethical: Acts with integrity, maintains confidentiality, and upholds Discovery's values in all interactions.
Results-Driven: Focuses on measurable outcomes, tracks progress, and strives for continuous improvement.
Excellent Communicator: Communicates clearly and confidently, both verbally and in writing, with stakeholders at all levels.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Qualifications
Minimum 3-year undergraduate, Marketing degree
Post graduate qualification in marketing is preferable
Must have managed at least one person for at least 2 years
Experience
Minimum 5 years' experience in marketing and communications, sponsorships, experiential marketing.
Proven experience managing large-scale events, activations and partnerships.
Strong experience working with rights holders, agencies and external partners.
Experience managing budgets and delivering measurable commercial outcomes.
Experience using Generative AI tools and digital content platforms will be advantageous.
Previous people management experience preferred.
A knowledge of the following will need to be developed or will be advantageous:
Sponsorships & Experiential marketing environment in South Africa and internationally
Various marketing and media channels, including digital media
Print and production and merchandising processes (including time lines and costing)
Additional advantageous experience
Experience using Microsoft Copilot, Generative AI platforms and AI-enabled productivity tools.
Experience with Adobe Express and Adobe Firefly or similar.
Experience creating executive presentations and visual reports.
Experience implementing AI-assisted marketing workflows.
Demonstrated ability to utilise data analytics and visualisation tools to support decision-making.
Exposure to marketing technology platforms, customer engagement tools and digital content ecosystems.