Head of Marketing

McBride Sport is delighted to be supporting RL Commercial in its search to appoint a Head of Marketing.

Rugby League has some of the most compelling competitions, events, players, and communities in British sport. From the drama of the Super League Grand Final and the heritage of the Challenge Cup to the spectacle of Magic Weekend and the pride of an England shirt, the sport has stories and moments that deserve a far bigger stage.

The opportunity now is to grow that relevance: reaching new audiences, bringing younger and more casual sports fans into the game, and turning their interest into deeper engagement, bigger crowds, and long-term fandom. RL Commercial is looking for a Head of Marketing to lead that charge. This is a senior leadership role at the heart of the sport’s growth plans, bringing together brand building, audience acquisition, creativity and ticketing across Super League, the Challenge Cup and England Rugby League. Reporting to the Director of Marketing & Communications, you’ll lead the Marketing, Creative & Design and Ticketing teams and make sure every campaign delivers measurable audience and commercial value. The role will:

• Shape and grow the brands across the Rugby League portfolio, giving each a distinctive position and clear role
• Lead marketing and ticket sales for the sport’s biggest moments: the Super League Grand Final, Magic Weekend, the Challenge Cup Final and England fixtures
• Grow and diversify the audience, with a focus on younger, casual, and under-engaged sports fans
• Set the creative direction and build an integrated “Shape of Season” that creates momentum all year round
• Work with Digital & Content, CRM, Commercial, clubs, broadcasters, and venues to extend reach and impact
• Own the marketing and ticketing budgets and report clearly on audience, attendance, revenue, and ROI

We are looking to identify an applicant that has significant senior marketing experience, in sport, entertainment, or media with a track record of building brands and delivering measurable audience growth and as such you will be able to experience of driving ticket sales, attendance or similar commercial results. You will have a strong grounding in brand, integrated campaigns, paid media, CRM and first-party data, sound creative judgement and experience leading creative teams and agencies along with a collaborative leadership style, developing multidisciplinary teams and influencing senior stakeholders.

Experience within a sports league, rights holder or live events business would be a real advantage. This role will be based from our offices in Manchester, at least three days a week in the office and as it will be supporting elite sport the role will require some weekend and event working, plus national and international travel.

Applications close Sunday 15th November 2026