Head of Streaming, World Tennis Tour

Full Job Description

International Tennis Federation (ITF) is the world governing body of tennis. Founded in 1913, its purpose is to ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of the sport, delivering tennis for future generations in association with its 213 member nations. The ITF oversees the rules and regulations that govern international and national competition.

The ITF is responsible for the worldwide development of tennis through its highly regarded Development Programme, its Science and Technical department which monitors equipment and technology, and its Officiating department which oversees the education and advancement of officials. The ITF is the owner of the two largest annual international team competitions in tennis, Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup

(BJKC) by Gainbridge and manages the Olympic and Paralympic Tennis Events on behalf of the IOC and IPC.

The ITF organises over 1,500 weeks of men’s, women’s and junior tournaments on the ITF World Tennis Tour, ITF Beach Tennis Tour, UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour and the ITF World Tennis Masters Tour (WTMT). The ITF upholds the highest standards of integrity and is a partner in the International Tennis Integrity Agency.

Overview of World Tennis Tour Department

The World Tennis Tour (WTT) team is responsible for delivering the worldwide ITF men’s and women’s professional tournaments, which in 2023 numbered 1,135 tournaments in over 70 countries. On the women’s side, the Tour comprises W15, W35, W50, W75 and W100 tournaments, which offer prize money from $15,000 up to $100,000; while the men’s side comprises M15 and M25 tournaments which offer prize money of $15,000 and $25,000 respectively. In 2023, the World Tennis Tour delivered record prize money for both women and men with record tournaments at the higher prize money categories.

The Role:

We are looking for an experienced individual to manage certain key commercial, operational and integrity deliverables of the World Tennis Tour, namely the ITF’s live scoring data rights and live streaming contract and the implementation of integrity measures such as accreditation. The individual will combine operational management with strategic and commercial vision to develop and achieve the wider goals of the department and the ITF.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the World Tennis Tour live scoring / live streaming team to ensure full coverage of World Tennis Tour events to meet operational and contractual obligations, requiring liaison with National Associations, Tournament Organisers and the ITF’s commercial partners.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to develop the existing profile of the live scoring service, troubleshoot problems in coverage, and oversee the distribution and management of livescoring devices.
• Take a key role in shaping and assisting in the integration of World Tennis Tour live scoring / live streaming commercial partners.
• Undertake strategic reviews in relation to the profile, effectiveness and appropriateness of all areas of the ITF World Tennis Tour live scoring / live streaming operations, including driving new product development and/or the adoption of new technologies for Tour enhancement.
• Manage live scoring / live streaming reporting for contractual and commercial obligations with ITF stakeholders (commercial partners, tournament organisers, National Associations).
• Manage key integrity areas such as driving the rollout of the ITF’s tournament accreditation software, ITF UNO, and liaising where necessary with the International Tennis Integrity Agency.
• Manage the Live Scoring team within the World Tennis Tour department, with responsibility for performance and development of team members and the department budget.
• Manage the live scoring support for Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup ties.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, World Tennis Tour & Data Rights, develop and maintain strong relationships with external authorities (Regional and National Associations; ATP and WTA, International Tennis Integrity Agency, Tournament Organisers and commercial partners) to ensure the ITF’s interests are professionally represented;
• Work with other departments and colleagues, including but not limited to Legal, Integrity, IT, Finance, Commercial and Communications;
• Undertake other responsibilities and projects as required.
• As the needs of the business can evolve rapidly this role may change accordingly, therefore this document should be viewed as guidelines which are subject to change.

You will have…

• A demonstrable track record in the areas of live scoring and/or live streaming either in tennis or another sport.
• Sound understanding of professional tennis, including National Association activities and structure; professional tennis event operations; rules and regulations; and internal and external committees
• Strong experience and a proven track record in managing a team effectively, with a focus on the ongoing personal development of team members
• Excellent time management, skilled in delivery of multiple and complex projects and delivering to hard deadlines
• Excellent communication skills with a professional approach
• First-rate decision-making and delegation skills
• Sound IT, website and social media knowledge
• Integrity and accountability
• Commercial awareness with diplomacy and tact
• Fluent in both written and spoken English; additional European language(s) desirable but not essential
• Flexibility. Hours can be long and weekend travel may be part of the role

What we offer….

• Salary on request plus discretionary bonus scheme
• 25 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays
• Private Healthcare
• Group Personal Pension Scheme, Life Assurance and Wellbeing Allowance
• Health Cash Plan
• Ride2Work Scheme
• Free lunch when working in the office (up to £9 per day)
• Complimentary healthy snacks and fresh fruit when working in the office
• Free parking on site
• Working hours: based on 35 hours per week. Normal office hours are 09:00 – 17:00 Monday to Friday. Flexible working hours possible with core hours of 10am-4pm.