At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic growth in EMEA sports partnerships and lead a high-performing team.
- Company: Join BDA, the top global Merchandise Agency with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work schedule, and a supportive family-like environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for travel and professional growth across EMEA.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the sports industry while developing innovative strategies.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in business development and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 135000 - 165000 £ per year.
Most companies claim to have the best people.
We say to them, "Keep dreaming." Our people are second to none.
They set us apart with their entrepreneurial spirit and ambition.
They come to us from the likes of Amazon, Microsoft, Nordstrom, Starbucks and the sports world, bringing energy, bold ideas and a willingness to dive into the unfamiliar.
It's our people that make BDA the top global Merchandise Agency to work for.
The Sr.
Director, Sports Partnerships — EMEA is responsible for driving strategic growth across the EMEA sports and entertainment portfolio through the development, expansion, and stewardship of league, sponsor, brand, agency, venue, and partner relationships.
This leader serves as a key contributor to regional revenue generation, sponsorship activation strategy, client retention, new business development, and cross-market execution while building and leading a high-performing team across EMEA.
- Location
- This role is based out of our London, UK or Manchester UK office andoffers a flexible onsite schedule of onsite 4 days per week , with 1 day remote .
- To be considered, you must live within commuting distance , as regular in-person collaboration is a key part of the role.
- Travel
- Required across EMEA and internationally as needed
The role requires a proven regional business builder who can identify EMEA market opportunities, cultivate executive-level relationships, develop innovative sponsorship and merchandise strategies, and translate client objectives into measurable commercial outcomes.
Working closely with the Managing Director — EMEA and global leadership, the Director will play a critical role in shaping regional strategy, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and accelerating long-term growth across priority EMEA markets.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Growth & Business Development
- Lead the development and execution of EMEA growth strategies designed to expand revenue, increase market share, and strengthen the organisation’s sports and entertainment portfolio across priority markets.
- Establish, cultivate, and expand strategic relationships with leagues, clubs, rights holders, sponsors, agencies, venues, partners, and key industry stakeholders across EMEA.
- Identify and capitalise on new business opportunities by leveraging regional relationships, market intelligence, global capabilities, and emerging sports and entertainment trends.
- Drive sponsor engagement initiatives that increase activation effectiveness, improve programme adoption, and maximise partnership value.
- Collaborate with EMEA and global leadership to develop innovative merchandise, marketing, fan engagement, employee engagement, and sponsorship solutions that support client objectives and organisational growth.
- Client & Partnership Leadership
- Serve as a trusted advisor to key EMEA clients and partners, delivering strategic recommendations that enhance partnership performance and long-term value.
- Lead efforts to retain, grow, and regionalise existing partnerships through proactive relationship management, consultative business planning, and coordinated account leadership.
- Partner with account teams to develop integrated sales, marketing, merchandise, and activation strategies that drive revenue growth and client success across EMEA.
- Ensure exceptional client experiences through responsive service, operational excellence, strategic problem-solving, and effective coordination across countries and functions.
- Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Foster a high-performance EMEA culture through mentorship, accountability, continuous development, and recognition.
- Provide leadership and guidance to direct reports and cross-functional contributors, adapting coaching styles to maximise individual and team effectiveness across markets.
- Partner with EMEA executive leadership on staffing strategies, organisational design, succession planning, and capability-building initiatives.
- Financial & Operational Management
- Establish performance objectives, revenue targets, and key metrics aligned with organizational goals.
- Manage team budgets and resources to ensure profitability, operational efficiency, and responsible financial stewardship.
- Monitor business performance through reporting, forecasting, and data-driven decision-making.
- Ensure teams effectively manage expenses while maximizing return on investment and growth opportunities.
We are pleased to share the base salary range for this position is £135,000 to £165,000.
If you are hired at BDA, your compensation will be determined by factors such as skills, education, and experience, while also taking internal equity and pay fairness into account.
In the spirit of transparency, the range listed represents the full base salary range for the role, with starting salaries typically set within this range to allow room for growth over time.
Certain revenue-generating positions may be eligible for incentive compensation.
BDA is more than a workplace - it’s a family.
For more than four decades we’ve promoted a vibrant and welcoming culture that not only accepts but demands you to be different.
The quirky, the bold, the creative and the unique make up the foundation of a company that the most iconic brands in the world look to help tell their story through the power of merchandise.
BDA Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Must be 18 years or older to apply.
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Sr. Director Sports Partnerships EMEA in Luton employer: BDA, LLC
BDA, LLC is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a dynamic work culture. With competitive compensation starting at £83,000 plus bonuses, employees benefit from strategic partnerships across EMEA, fostering collaboration and innovation. The company's commitment to aligning HR practices with business needs ensures a meaningful impact on the organisation while providing opportunities for travel and professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sr. Director Sports Partnerships EMEA in Luton
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like BDA, LLC. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including BDA, LLC. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Sr. Director Sports Partnerships EMEA in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining BDA, LLC aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at BDA, LLC
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with BDA, LLC, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
