PERSONNEL CONSULTING
Sports
Although the communication-intensive “eleven friends mentality” is now considered somewhat outdated, teamwork in sport and also in the sports business is still indispensable.
Different top performers are absolutely crucial for the positive development of clubs, associations and other sports organizations. Today more than ever, commercialization and the dynamic digitalization of sport require personalities who can keep companies at the top with clear visions and charismatic leadership and master complex challenges even in times of crisis. The prerequisite for a successful new hire is optimal professional, social and value-oriented integration.
Through the targeted use of state-of-the-art recruitment methods, excellent knowledge of the respective market environment and outstanding networks, we find the right people and team players to successfully fill strategically important positions in the shortest possible time.
The Sports business unit focuses on supporting top and amateur clubs, associations, committees and sports-related organizations. These organizations either want to become even more professional in their field or want to complement their already highly efficient structures in this broad playing field.
Succession planning for the sporting director: be prepared before the position becomes vacant
Good succession planning for a sporting director starts while the position is still filled. It combines an honest internal assessment with a discreet look at the external market. In professional sport, squad planning, scouting, coaching decisions and the relationship with the supervisory board and the fans all come together in the sporting director’s role. If this position becomes vacant at short notice, another board member often steps in while the permanent solution has to be found under public pressure.
Well-prepared clubs and associations have an up-to-date requirements profile for their key positions and know which internal and external candidates fit their sporting and commercial direction.
With our Sports practice, we at HAGER Executive Consulting support supervisory boards, executive boards and presidiums of clubs, associations and sports-related organisations in preparing such successions in a structured way. We sound out the market discreetly, assess internal candidates objectively through our Management Assessment and handle the appointment when the time comes. Where the composition of the supervisory or advisory board is concerned, we work closely with our Board Services practice.
Frequently asked questions about succession planning for the sporting director
How does a club find a new sporting director?
The most reliable route is a clear requirements profile and a structured search that compares internal options with the external market. First, the club needs to decide which sporting and commercial direction it wants to take over the coming years and which personality fits that path. This is followed by a discreet approach to suitable candidates, structured interviews and a joint decision with the supervisory board or presidium. As many conversations have to remain confidential, discretion carries particular weight in professional sport.
When should a club start succession planning for the sporting director?
A club should start while the position is stably filled. Requirements can then be clarified calmly, and potential successors can be observed without rumours arising. A short list of internal and external options, regularly updated by the supervisory board, considerably shortens the search if the position suddenly becomes vacant.
Does an interim solution for the sporting director make sense?
It makes sense if it gives the club time for a careful permanent appointment. If another board member takes over the duties temporarily, the club remains able to act, for example ahead of a transfer window. However, the interim phase should be limited in time, and the permanent search should start in parallel so that squad planning and scouting do not run for months without clear responsibility.
What skills does a sporting director need today?
Beyond sporting expertise, a sporting director today above all needs leadership strength, commercial understanding and the ability to work with boards, the media and fans. They are responsible for substantial budgets, lead scouting and squad planning and have to stand by decisions even under public pressure. Experience with data-driven scouting and youth development is increasingly in demand.
Talk to our team of experts!
30-minute market assessment: talk to Richard Golz, Partner Sports, about succession planning for your sporting director.
MARTIN KRILL
CEO, Managing Partner
RICHARD GOLZ
Partner Sports