Senior Partnership Development Manager (Ref: 196607)

We are an external recruitment partner delivering strategic talent solutions for leading organizations in the sports and hospitality sectors. Our client, a premier football club, seeks to elevate its partnerships program with a seasoned professional who can drive growth, optimize collaborator ecosystems, and deliver measurable business impact. We pride ourselves on rigorous candidate evaluation, industry insight, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

We are seeking a Senior Partnership Development Manager to advance our client's partnerships strategy in the high-visibility sports and hospitality context. This role shapes external alliances, negotiates high-value sponsorships and partnerships, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to maximize revenue, fan engagement, and brand equity. The position requires strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and a data-driven approach to opportunity identification and deal execution.

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships that align with the club's brand, values, and commercial objectives across local, national, and international markets.
• Lead negotiations for high-value sponsorships, media rights, and collaboration agreements, ensuring favorable terms and long-term value.
• Develop a robust pipeline of opportunities, conducting market mapping, competitor analysis, and due diligence to secure premium partners.
• Collaborate with marketing, events, and product teams to design integrated partnership activations that drive engagement and revenue.
• Establish strong relationships with sponsors, agencies, and partners, serving as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor.
• Forecast revenue, track KPIs, and deliver regular performance reporting to senior leadership.
• Lead cross-functional teams in proposal development, RFP responses, and contract negotiations, ensuring timely delivery and quality.

• Proven track record in developing and closing strategic partnerships within sports, entertainment, or hospitality sectors.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at senior levels.
• Strong business acumen, market insight, and ability to identify and capitalize on revenue opportunities.
• Experience working with CRM tools, data analytics, and pipeline management.
• Capable of operating in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment with a collaborative mindset.
• Experience in sponsorship sales, sponsorship activation, and rights management is a plus.

• Competitive base salary plus performance-based incentives.
• Hybrid working model with office in Newcastle upon Tyne, with flexible, remote collaboration options.
• Comprehensive private medical, pension, and life cover.
• Ticketing and hospitality benefits for club matches and events.
• Career development pathways, leadership coaching, and ongoing training.

Our client is a globally recognized football club with a rich history and strong community presence. This is a rare opportunity to shape the partnerships agenda for a leading sports organization.