Activations Manager - (PEOPLE MANAGEMENTE ROLE - Client Implementation/Client Onboarding)

Company Description

VERSANT is a leading force in news, sports and entertainment - home to iconic and trusted brands that inspire, inform, and delight audiences. Our unique combination of content, technology and services enriches the cultural fabric, igniting passions, sparking conversations, and connecting people to what they love most.

As an independent, publicly traded company, VERSANT brings together powerhouse cable networks - including USA Network, CNBC, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and Golf Channel - with dynamic digital and direct-to-consumer brands such as Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. Together, these businesses reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences across every screen and service.

VERSANT is an industry-changing media company fueled by innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. With a strong foundation and a forward-looking vision, VERSANT empowers creativity, embraces change, and drives connection in an ever-evolving world.

Job Description

Versant is seeking an Activations Manager to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for the leadership, training, and mentorship of the Activation Specialists that enable and activate our suite of products. This leader will partner closely with our Sales and Customer Experience teams to assist in providing the best customer outcomes.

Job Duties

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Inspect key performance metrics and provide coaching, feedback, and career development guidance.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, and develop Activation Specialists.
• Partner with leadership and HR on employee relations, 1:1s, performance management, and reviews.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture.
• Establish clear ownership for onboarding tasks and ensure teams have the tools to succeed.

Operational Leadership & Delivery

• Oversee daily workflow across all activation processes, providing technical guidance and support.
• Lead activation projects from planning through completion, ensuring timelines, milestones, and quality standards are met.
• Coordinate procurement, configuration, and logistics for partner equipment as needed.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex activation issues, delivering strategic solutions.

Cross-Functional & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to manage scope changes, mitigate risk, and resolve escalations.
• Collaborate closely with Product, Technology, and Customer Success to ensure smooth implementations and transitions.
• Work cross-functionally with Sales, Support, Creative, Sales Operations, and Account Management teams.

Process Improvement & Scalability

• Create, refine, and document departmental processes to improve consistency and scalability.
• Expand and standardize best practices for transitions from Sales to Activation and from Activation to Support and Account Management.

Executive Communication & Reporting

• Present team performance metrics, initiatives, and projects to Senior Leadership.
• Lead and present in team and company-wide meetings.

General Management

• Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support business objectives.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and/or 3+ years of experience in software implementation, project management, or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to balance conflicting priorities, update, track and analyze team metrics and progress for each team member.
• Previous experience in a managerial or leadership role required.
• Ability to travel as needed

Qualifications

Desired Characteristics

• An enthusiastic, hands-on, influential leader with exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Outstanding attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task with consistent and timely follow-through.
• Previous experience in a SaaS business and familiarity with the NBC Sports Next suite of products.
• Results-oriented with strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to ensuring on-time delivery and onboarding completion.
• Ability to proactively communicate onboarding status, issues, and risks to Senior Management.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including collaboration with other NBC Sports Next teams.
• Demonstrated strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills with an ability to manage competing demands.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of b