Overview Our client is Europe's leading sports memorabilia auction house, the business has a strong foundation of auction expertise, a loyal collector base, and a growing portfolio of partner auction relationships with clubs and sporting organisations.
The Opportunity The Business Development Director will own the full commercial development agenda: building a partner network, developing new revenue verticals, and leading a small but growing team. This is an entrepreneurial leadership role requiring someone equally comfortable in a boardroom, on a pitch, and out in the field. You will already be a seniors sales person from within sport.
Key Responsibilities
Own and execute the commercial strategy to drive revenue growth across auction, partner, valuation, and emerging categories
Build, manage and develop the partner auction network — identifying, pitching and contracting sports clubs, governing bodies, estates, charities, and brands
Lead, coach and grow a business development team as the function scales
Develop and maintain senior-level relationships with key stakeholders across sport, entertainment, investment, and the collector community
Identify new revenue opportunities, corporate clients, institutional investors, brand licensing, the company Index — and develop the commercial model to exploit them
Work closely with the marketing team to build brand presence that supports commercial objectives
Represent the business at key industry events, trade fairs, and sporting occasions
Report directly to the CEO/Founder with regular pipeline and forecasting accountability
Ideal Candidate Profile
Must have a proven track record in senior commercial/BD roles within sport
Previous P&L ownership responsibility
Experience building or managing a partner or affiliate network from the ground up
People leadership experience — has hired, managed and developed commercial teams
Entrepreneurial mindset — comfortable in a fast-moving, founder-led environment
Strong network within UK sport is highly desirable
Excellent communication and presentation skills — confident at C-suite and board level
Genuine passion for or knowledge of sport is a significant advantage
What Success Looks Like
6 months: Partner network framework in place, first 3-5 new partner auction contracts signed, team structure defined
12 months: Measurable revenue growth from new commercial channels, new BD team members hired and operational, pipeline of institutional/brand clients established
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