Overview
The Commercial Team at Sunderland AFC is dedicated to driving the club’s growth beyond the pitch. We are a passionate group focused on forging meaningful partnerships, enhancing fan experiences, and maximizing commercial opportunities through sponsorship, marketing, and merchandise. With a diverse set of skills and backgrounds, our team collaborates closely with local businesses and global brands to create innovative solutions that benefit both the club and our community. Our mission is to build a sustainable future for Sunderland AFC while ensuring our fans feel valued every step of the way.
The Opportunity
SAFC’s Partnership Sales Manager is a commercially driven role, focused on generating new revenue by securing high-value partnerships for the club. Reporting directly to the Head of Partnership Sales, you will be responsible for building and managing a strong pipeline of prospective partners, converting opportunities into long-term commercial agreements. This is a hands-on sales role where success will be measured by your ability to meet and exceed revenue targets. Using research, networking, and proactive outreach, you will identify potential partners across key sectors, prepare compelling proposals, and deliver persuasive sales presentations. Working closely with the Head of Partnership Sales and wider commercial team, you will ensure that Sunderland AFC continues to attract brands who share our values and vision. By creating tailored partnership solutions, you will play a key role in enhancing the club’s visibility, driving revenue growth, and building meaningful relationships with new partners.
What We Ask For
* Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field
* Minimum of 3 years of experience in sponsorship sales or partnership management
* Enthusiastic and results-driven professional with a genuine passion for football and the sports business
* Proven sales experience, ideally within a sports or entertainment setting
* Solid track record of achieving financial targets
* Robust network of contacts in industries relevant to sponsorship
* Ability to build and maintain high-value relationships with stakeholders at all levels
* Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills
* Proven negotiation capabilities to influence and secure partnerships
* Creative thinking to design bespoke sponsorship packages
* Basic DBS from Sunderland AFC
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Sales and Business Development
Locations: Gateshead; Newcastle Upon Tyne; North East England; Durham; Ashington; Newton Aycliffe.
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