The Head of Partnership Management is responsible for developing and delivering Ascot’s partnership management strategy, ensuring the effective management, delivery and renewal of a portfolio of high‑value partners, sponsors, suppliers and licensees. As a commercial leader and key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the role oversees end‑to‑end partner relationships, drives commercial value and exceptional partner experiences, leads and develops the Partnerships team, and works cross‑functionally to deliver partner rights and objectives while maximising long‑term commercial security for Ascot.
Responsibilities
Partner Management
* Develop and deliver Ascot’s Partnership Management strategy, aligned to the overall company strategy.
* End-to-end management of all partners including onboarding, relationship management, activation, renewal, performance evaluation and reporting.
* Enhance our partner relations programme, developing new events opportunities to nurture key relationships
* Drive continuous improvement in partner service delivery, ensuring a premium and consistent experience.
* Oversee commercial inventory, working with key internal teams to manage and develop high value activation and exposure opportunities.
* Identify opportunities for networking with local, national and international partners.
* Elevate, upsell and cross-sell opportunities within the existing partner portfolio.
* Measure partner engagement, satisfaction, retention and commercial return.
* Present regular performance updates, insights, and strategy to the Commercial Director, the Board and Senior Leadership Team.
Commercial Oversight
* Accountable for the Partnerships budget.
* Lead contract negotiations with partners, liaising with legal teams on contract wording, renewals and compliance.
* Assist the wider commercial team in finalising new partnership deals and onboarding the clients
Team Management
* Line management of all senior managers within the Partnerships team.
* Performance management and development of the Partnerships department.
* Ensure function effectively works with key internal stakeholders.
* Lead department specific targets, KPIs and metrics.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team contributing effectively to the overall objectives of the business in shaping the future of the racecourse and the brand.
* Build strong working relationships with the peers and wider business colleagues.
* Act as an ambassador for Ascot at partner events, Raceday’s, and external engagements.
* Enable cross-functional working with Sales, Marketing, Racing, Events, Hospitality, Operations, and Facilities teams to ensure seamless delivery of partner rights and assets.
* Manage external agencies and suppliers to ensure high-quality delivery and strong commercial outcomes.
Skills and Experience
* Demonstratable experience in high-value partnership management within a fast-paced environment.
* Experience in managing and forecasting significant budgets and P&L responsibilities.
* Ability to lead, develop and motivate people.
* Strong strategic and commercial mindset.
* Experience in the sports or live events industry.
#J-18808-Ljbffr