North America Marketing Director

Reports to: GM and COOWHO WE AREVenum is the #1 combat sports brand in the world, worn by elite athletes and trusted by fighters, trainers, and competitors globally. From the UFC Octagon to gyms, tournaments, and training communities worldwide, we design products that represent power, precision, and identity.2026 marks a major evolution for Venum USA. We are building a fully autonomous Manhattan headquarters and launching a world-class in-house marketing engine designed to lead U.S. growth, elevate global brand storytelling, and support the next phase of Venum’s expansion.WHO WE ARE LOOKING FORWe are hiring a North America Marketing Director to lead Venum’s U.S. marketing strategy from New York and build a world-class in-house team.This role is for a leader who can do two things at the highest level:Protect and reinforce Venum’s global dominance in combat sports.Drive the marketing message for Venum’s expansion into new categories, including:Team Sports (Football, Flag Football, 7v7, Wrestling, Fan Gear)Motorsports (performance apparel + cultural crossover)You are both a strategist and a doer — someone who sees the long game but moves fast, builds teams, and delivers commercial impact through brand storytelling and performance marketing.WHAT YOU’LL WORK ONCombat Sports Brand Leadership (Global #1 Position)Own marketing strategy that cements Venum’s position as the #1 combat sports brand worldwide.Lead U.S. storytelling and campaigns that amplify:UFC partnershipAthletesProduct innovation in fight sports“Born in Combat” brand DNAInteract directly with UFC stakeholders and activation teams to ensure alignment between Venum brand positioning, athlete storytelling, and key calendar moments.Ensure every U.S. initiative strengthens combat leadership, not dilutes it.Expansion Storytelling: Team Sports & MotorsportsBuild the U.S. marketing narrative for Venum’s next major growth phase beyond combat.Position Venum as a credible performance and culture brand in Team Sports and Motorsports, while staying rooted in combat authenticity.Team Sports focus includes:Partner closely with the Team Sports Category Manager to build and execute the roadmap for Football, Flag Football, 7v7, and Wrestling.Lead go-to-market programs targeting:High school athletic departmentsCity and regional clubsTournament ecosystems + grassroots communitiesDrive demand for both team uniforms and fan gear, including:School/club fan apparelSpirit gear and sideline collectionsLimited drops tied to seasons, tournaments, and local rivalriesEstablish Venum as a modern performance leader in U.S. team sports culture.Motorsports focus includes:Develop a clear brand and product storytelling strategy for entry into Motorsports.Create marketing programs that blend:Performance apparel needsLifestyle/community cultureAthlete and event-driven credibilityCollaborate across product and partnerships to make Motorsports a true brand extensionU.S. Brand & Growth LeadershipOwn the full U.S. marketing strategy across Venum.com, Amazon, retail partners, B2B, and social commerce.Build annual and quarterly plans tied to revenue growth, margin improvement, and channel segmentation.Ensure the U.S. strategy reflects American sports culture, apparel expectations, and consumer behavior.In-House Team & NYC Creative EngineRecruit and lead the Manhattan-based marketing team (Marketing Manager, Social Media, Designers, Photographer, creators).Establish and scale the in-office content / photography studio as a daily creative production hub.Create fast, disciplined workflows that reduce agency reliance and increase output.Campaign & StorytellingLead 360° campaigns from concept to execution across digital, retail, and partnerships.Shape athlete, combat, team sports, and lifestyle storytelling to deepen brand relevance.Deliver consistent, premium creative across all channels.Performance Marketing & ROIOversee paid media strategy across Google, Meta, TikTok, Amazon Ads, and emerging platforms.Implement dashboards for CAC, ROAS, engagement, and conversion by channel.Drive decisions using data — and reallocate spend aggressively toward winners.Retail & Partner ActivationBuild marketing programs that drive sell-through for partners such as Academy Sports, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Walmart, Fanatics, Decathlon, and others.Develop co-marketing initiatives, channel exclusives, and in-store storytelling.Work closely with combat sports pro shops (boxing, MMA, BJJ, fitness specialty retailers) to strengthen Venum’s point-of-sale presence, product education, and community credibility.Partner with team sports pro shops and regional uniform dealers to grow Venum’s footprint in Football, Flag Football, 7v7, and Wrestling, supporting both team uniform programs and fan-gear sell-through.Ensure retail activation aligns with channel segmentation and reinforces Venum’s leadership in combat while accelerating expansion into Team Sports.Global Collaboration & Leadership PathWork hand-in-hand with the European Marketing Director to align global launches, brand tone, and creative direction.Share U.S. market insights and winning playbooks across regions.Help position the U.S. organization as the future global marketing leadership hub for Venum Group.WHO YOU’LL WORK WITHNorth America GM and COO for strategic direction, business priorities, and performance targets.European Marketing Director and global brand teams to co-develop global strategy and seasonal storytelling.UFC partnership stakeholders and activation teams, ensuring alignment on key fight calendar moments, athlete storytelling, and brand positioning.Head of Partnerships & Activation to integrate athlete/property programs into U.S. campaigns.Combat Sports Category Manager to align product priorities, UFC/athlete storytelling, and category growth with the U.S. marketing roadmap.Team Sports Category Manager to accelerate school/club growth, fan-gear penetration, and Team Sports brand credibility.Retail, marketplace, and media partners across North America.WHAT YOU BRING10+ years in brand/consumer marketing leadership, ideally in sportswear, performance apparel, combat sports, or lifestyle brands.Track record of keeping brands #1 in their core category while scaling into new ones.Strong multi-channel experience: DTC + marketplace (Amazon) + wholesale/retail + social commerce.Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing in-house teams.Strong understanding of Team Sports ecosystems (schools, clubs, fan gear culture) and/or Motorsports marketing is a major plus.Experience working with major sports properties (UFC, leagues, federations, or equivalent) is strongly preferred.Elite creative instinct + sharp analytical and financial acumen.Comfortable operating in a fast, entrepreneurial environment with high accountability.WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKEVenum remains undisputed global leader in combat sports with growing U.S. dominance.Strong and aligned UFC storytelling and activation that elevates brand credibility and commercial impact.Successful market penetration for Team Sports and Motorsports, without brand dilution.A fully operational NYC in-house marketing engine producing daily premium content.Strong U.S. growth across DTC, Amazon, retail, B2B, and Team Sports.U.S. marketing playbook influencing global campaigns and product storytelling.WHY VENUMLead marketing for the #1 combat sports brand in the world.Build the U.S. marketing engine from the ground up in Manhattan HQ.Direct influence on global brand direction.Drive expansion into Team Sports and Motorsports as Venum’s next growth era.Work closely with the UFC ecosystem.Be part of a high-growth brand entering its most ambitious phase yet.COMPENSATION & BENEFITSThis role will be compensated with a good-faith pay range of $150,000 - $190,000. This range represents the minimum and maximum base pay the company reasonably expects to offer for this role at the time of posting. Final base pay will depend on several factors, including the applicant’s qualifications, relevant experience, education, certifications or professional licenses, and overall performance throughout the interview process. This role may offer the following benefits: medical, vision, and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance and a 401(k) matching program. This role may also be eligible for an annual performance-based bonus award. This role includes paid personal time off and 14 paid company holidays. Venum offers paid sick time in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws.The Company is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, reproductive health decisions, marital or partnership status, military or veteran status, genetic information, arrest or conviction record (consistent with the New York City Fair Chance Act and applicable law), domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The Company prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind and is committed to maintaining a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.A job description for this position is available and has been provided as part of the job posting. The duties and responsibilities described in the job description are intended to outline the general nature and level of work expected for this role and may be modified by the Company as needed based on business requirements. The job description does not limit the Company’s ability to assign or reassign duties, responsibilities, or reporting relationships, and may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in the role or the needs of the business.