Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) one of the world's premier sports and entertainment companies, owns the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto FC (MLS), Toronto Argonauts (CFL), Toronto Marlies (AHL), Raptors 905 (NBA D-League), TFC II (USL) and Raptors Uprising Gaming Club, the Toronto Raptors Esports franchise in the NBA 2K League. Its charitable arm, MLSE Foundation, focuses on funding initiatives to support youth through sport and recreational programs. In 2017 MLSE Foundation, with support of community and corporate partners, built MLSE LaunchPad, a 42,000-sq. ft. space dedicated to programming that support its four Pillars: Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Ready For School and Ready For Work.

MLSE’s common purpose is to unite and empower employees to deliver extraordinary moments to our fans and each other.

Who We Are

We celebrate the diversity, individuality, and personality of our peers, striving to be the best in class, in every class. We believe in Respect, Resilience, Commitment, and Ambition. We work for, with, and around the people that inspire us to try, persist, and achieve more.

Our work goes beyond games, seasons, trophies, and tours. Our success is measured by more than a scoreboard. Our team is stronger when we stand united. We create, we celebrate, we build, and we become better!

What we choose to do next, means everything! It defines greatness, builds character, makes history, and brings the world to its feet.

Overview

As Director of Business Strategy & Innovation, you will provide thought leadership and lead MLSE’s business strategy practice as part of the MLSE Digital Labs Strategy & Analytics team. You will be responsible for key functions such as strategic planning, project management, commercial strategy and Digital Labs business operations.

Our Business Strategy & Innovation team acts as internal consultants, analysts and project managers working cross functionally across MLSE. As a leader of the group you will collaborate with senior leaders across MLSE to drive an integrated strategy planning process with attribution to KPIs such as fan acquisition, fan engagement and revenue. You will identify and lead execution of very cool projects and activities that make us smarter, more connected to our fans and drive amazing experiences and business results. You will have fun while leading and developing an impactful team, and helping drive the next generation of MLSE’s business.

The successful candidate must be a strategic, goal-oriented individual who thrives in a high-paced business environment and lives our values of accountability, leading in what we do, dreaming big, and being a fan of our teams. You will tell compelling stories, create compelling reason for action and build the capabilities of a hard-working team.

Responsibilities

• Leadership of the Business Strategy & Innovation Team
• Manage a leadership team that oversees key functions such as:
  • Strategy & Planning – evaluation of new initiatives, support of integrated strategic planning processes across the organization, supporting Digital Labs business operations
  • Project Management – executing projects with effective change management
  • Commercial Innovation & Operations – supporting Digital Labs commercial business ventures including DropShop, Digital Arena & Future of Sport Lab
• Collaborating with internal partners (e.g. Ticketing, Global Partnerships, Food & Beverage, Retail, Marketing, etc.) on key enterprise priorities
• Supporting Digital Labs business updates such as Board of Directors communication, external industry activities and commercial partners
• Non-technical communication of recommendations, to key partners and senior leadership
• Partnering with internal stakeholders to understand and analyze business needs and goals
• Working with other leaders across the Digital Labs Strategy & Analytics team to build an integrated, data driven, strategic planning and execution model that drives organizational effectiveness, developing a sustainable KPI scorecard aligned to strategic plans, key priorities and top initiatives
• Evolving stakeholder “engagement” to stakeholder “influence” as we build a sustainable integrated business practice that enhances our data driven impact

• 5-10+ years experience leading consulting, strategy or program management teams
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives
• Demonstrated strong teamwork and relationship skills
• Team first, positive, people-oriented, and energetic attitude
• Entrepreneurial spirit and smart, creative personality
• People leadership experience with a demonstrable track record of developing people and operating a high performing team
• Demonstrated leadership experience and ability to manage complex projects
• Experience overseeing P&L accountability, fiscal planning and funding cycles
• Experience with M&A, venture models and early stage startups considered an asset
• Experience in consulting considered an asset
• Proven track record to develop partnerships with technical peers and business unit leaders
• Excellent communication skills and able to explain sophisticated insights to a non-technical audience
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Please apply by: November 5, 2021

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in the job application process. If you have difficulty using our online application system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email [email protected]. Please note this email is only for accommodation requests. Resumes sent to this email address will not be considered.