Associate Manager, Sponsorships

About the role

At Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP), the consumer is at the heart of everything we do. The Associate Manager, Sponsorships plays an integral role in bringing KDP brands to life in conjunction with key brand and sponsorship objectives. This position sits on the Connected Media Team and requires strong personal initiative, accountability, a drive to seek new ideas, and the ability to approach projects with a strategic lens. The role is accountable for developing strategic plans for the sponsorship portfolio both in‑venue and at retail, managing partner relationships, and driving commercial alignment to achieve business goals. The position supports the Manager and/or Sr. Manager, Sponsorships and is ideal for candidates with 3+ years of progressive marketing or related sports and entertainment experience.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain a strong pulse on the sponsorships, sports, and entertainment industry to provide newsworthy insights that impact current partnerships and uncover new opportunities.
• Develop strong commercial knowledge and business acumen to support annual planning and ensure communication is fully integrated with all brand consumer touch points.
• Support creative agency management from brief writing through execution to deliver clear, concise strategic consumer messaging.
• Identify innovative approaches that deliver excellence in all executions.
• Leverage disciplined project management to deliver contractual asset reviews, sponsorship execution, and post‑analysis for the partnership portfolio.
• Lead development of branded signage, POS, packaging, activation, and promotions; collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Sponsors, and Agency partners.
• Conduct post‑analysis including asset optimization, valuation, and ROI modeling.
• Manage and maintain partner relationships as the primary point of contact and conduit to KDP.
• Support and lead negotiation dialogues with assigned partners using data‑driven insights to accelerate decision‑making.
• Manage assigned budgets in conjunction with cross‑functional partners, set performance standards, and adjust plans to meet growth agendas.
• Gain alignment from key stakeholders, integrate and collaborate with creative, brand, sales, and agency teams to execute plans.
• Work proactively with assigned Sales Teams to provide appropriate asset mix that drives business.
• Deploy a general‑manager mindset to support strategic sponsorship initiatives for assigned brands.
• Help sustain KDP’s unique culture, pursue personal development, and create an inclusive environment that inspires action.

Characteristics of success

• Passionate about beverages, consumers, brands, customers, and winning.
• Optimistic with an entrepreneurial spirit, inspired by innovation and breakthrough thinking.
• Self‑motivated leader with a drive for impact, thriving in a fast‑paced, results‑oriented environment.
• Agile change agent who embraces risk, delivers solutions, and leads transformation.
• Data‑driven decision‑maker who removes barriers, recommends solutions, and uses analytics for bold decisions.
• Inspirational leader committed to coaching, challenging, and developing others while elevating the team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a major in Marketing or a related field.
• Minimum three years of marketing and/or industry experience with a Fortune 500 CPG corporation, a Major League team, or a sponsorship/entertainment agency.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; experience delivering presentations to senior leadership.
• Astute budget management skills.
• Based in Frisco, TX (KDP office) with approximately 10% travel required.

Compensation and benefits

Salary range: $76,400 – $90,000 (actual placement within the range may vary based on experience, skills, and other factors).

• Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
• Paid time off—including paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Annual performance‑based bonus.

Company overview

Keurig Dr Pepper (Nasdaq: KDP) is a leading beverage company with more than 150 owned, licensed, and partner brands that serve a wide range of needs and occasions. The North American refreshment business holds leadership positions across carbonated soft drinks, water, juice, and mixers, featuring iconic brands such as Dr Pepper®, Canada Dry®, Mott’s®, A&W®, Peñafiel®, GHOST®, 7UP®, Snapple®, Clamato®, and Core Hydration®. The global coffee business spans over 100 markets and includes the Keurig® single‑serve brewing system, along with brands like Peet’s, L’OR, and Jacobs. With more than 50,000 employees, KDP aims to enhance every beverage and coffee occasion while making a positive impact on people, communities, and the planet. The company strives to be an employer of choice, offering a culture and opportunities that empower team members to grow and develop.