Head of Business Development (Sport)
About the Company
SELA is a fast-growing sports events and entertainment business delivering world-class live events and major projects across multiple markets. As the business continues to scale, we are building a best-in-class finance function to support decision-making, performance management and strategic growth.
Role Overview
As the Head of Business Development (Sport), you will lead a high-impact, outward-facing function focused on originating and converting global agency and consultancy opportunities. This is a role for a true dealmaker and operator—someone who understands the nuances of how rights holders and governing bodies buy services and can bridge the gap between creative vision and commercial reality.
You will be responsible for architecting high-value partnerships and winning contracted business (RFPs, tenders, and direct awards) to drive recurring revenue and establish Sela as the global market leader in sports and entertainment consultancy.
Key Responsibilities
* Agency Revenue Growth: Identify, negotiate, and secure agency mandates and consultancy projects across federations, leagues, clubs, and brands.
* RFP & Tender Leadership: Proactively track, originate, and lead the end-to-end response to competitive pitch processes—from initial qualification to the final win.
* Pipeline & Strategy: Design and execute a robust BD strategy; build and manage a high-quality pipeline of near-term and long-term opportunities with a focus on converting to contracted revenue.
* Deal Execution & Negotiation: Lead complex commercial negotiations to structure innovative, mutually profitable agreements that deliver both immediate revenue and long-term strategic value.
* Network & Relationship Building: Leverage and expand a global \"black book\" of senior decision-makers, positioning Sela as a trusted, \"agency-first\" long-term partner.
* Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Sela’s Strategy, Creative, and Legal teams to ensure pitches are compelling, differentiated, and commercially executable.
* Market Intelligence: Stay ahead of industry trends, procurement cycles, and competitor moves to inform Sela’s positioning and identify \"white space\" opportunities.
* Senior Representation: Act as a polished ambassador for Sela at global industry summits, forums, and rights-holder networks.
Experience & Skills
* The Track Record: 8+ years of experience in sports commercial development, sponsorship sales, or strategic partnerships. (Agency or Rights Holder background highly preferred).
* The Closer: Proven ability to win RFPs, tenders, and structure multi-million-pound, multi-market consultancy/agency contracts.
* The Network: A deep, active network of senior contacts across the global sports and entertainment landscape.
* The Mindset: Entrepreneurial, self-motivated, and comfortable navigating the \"start-up\" energy of a scaling international office.
* Communication Master: Persuasive and polished; able to master the pitch and translate complex strategies into winning commercial proposals.
Why Join Us?
* Scale: Help build a global agency from the ground floor with the backing of world-class resources.
* Impact: Work on iconic global properties and emerging sporting disruptors at the intersection of sports and entertainment.
* Culture: A fast-paced, high-reward environment that champions initiative, discipline, and results over hierarchy.
Please note that successful applicants will be subject to a DBS background check.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices.