At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships with top brands across Europe in the sports media industry.
- Company: Join Better Collective, a global leader in digital sports media.
- Benefits: Shape the future of sports marketing with innovative partnership products.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams to drive sustainable commercial growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact by connecting sports fans with major global brands.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in media sales and a passion for sports.
About Better Collective
Better Collective is a global digital sports media group, connecting millions of passionate sports fans through a diverse portfolio of sports media brands, communities and digital products. As we evolve our commercial strategy, we are building a premium partnerships business centred around audience intelligence, video/talent-led content, premium media products and strategic client relationships.
We're looking for an experienced entrepreneurial Sales Director to build and scale our premium partnerships business across the UK, Italy, France and Spain.
About the Role
This is a strategic leadership role responsible for driving long-term partnerships with some of the world's largest brands across sectors including Automotive, Financial Services, FMCG, Consumer Electronics, Retail, Travel, Telecommunications and Luxury. Working closely with the Director of Ad Sales UK & Europe, Product, Editorial and Marketing teams, you'll develop integrated commercial solutions that combine premium content, talent, audience intelligence and multiple Better Collective brands into market-leading partnerships. You'll have a genuine passion for sport and a deep understanding of modern sports fandom, recognising how audiences engage across live sport, digital media, creators, communities and premium content. This role is about building long-term strategic relationships that deliver sustainable commercial growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Commercial Strategy
- Lead the development and execution of Better Collective's brand partnerships strategy across the UK, Italy, France and Spain.
- Build category-specific go-to-market strategies across priority sectors.
- Develop scalable sponsorship products and commercial IP.
- Create integrated commercial propositions that move beyond traditional advertising.
- Identify new revenue opportunities across key industry verticals.
- Develop annual category growth plans.
- Business Development
- You will already have senior relationships with:
- Global advertisers
- European brands
- The Big Six global agency holding groups
- Independent agencies
- Sponsorship agencies
- Sports marketing agencies
- You'll build and manage a pipeline of strategic six and seven-figure partnership opportunities.
- Category Ownership
- Lead Better Collective's sales strategy across:
- Automotive
- Financial Services
- FMCG
- Consumer Electronics
- Retail
- Telecommunications
- Travel
- Lifestyle
- Luxury
- Become the internal expert for these sectors.
- Premium Partnerships
- Create integrated solutions including:
- Premium sponsorships
- Branded entertainment
- Talent-led partnerships
- Video-first campaigns
- Audience Intelligence
- Creator collaborations
- Cross-market activations
- First-party data solutions
- Cross-functional Leadership
- Work closely with Editorial, Product, Marketing, Data, Sales and Operations to develop commercially-led products from inception.
- Established Better Collective as a trusted strategic partner for major European brands.
- Secured multiple premium long-term partnerships across Europe.
- Increased average partnership values.
- Developed repeatable category playbooks.
- Increased recurring partnership revenue.
- Launched innovative premium commercial products.
- 8+ years in media sales, partnerships or sponsorship.
- Strong agency and direct client network.
- Proven experience selling integrated partnerships and premium sponsorships.
- Experience operating across multiple European markets.
- A genuine passion for sport and an understanding of modern sports audiences.
- A genuine passion for sport and sports culture.
- A deep understanding of how brands engage modern sports fans.
- Strategic commercial thinking.
- A consultative approach to partnership selling.
- Exceptional executive relationship building skills.
- An entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for creating new commercial opportunities.
- Strong storytelling and presentation skills.
- Excellent negotiation and influencing ability.
- The ability to collaborate across editorial, product, marketing and commercial teams.
Success Looks Like
Within 12 months you will have:
Experience
Network
You'll have an established network across major global advertisers, official sports sponsors, rights holders and leading agency groups, with senior relationships spanning brands such as Adidas, Nike, Just Eat, Mastercard, Visa, PepsiCo, Heineken, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Amazon, Samsung, Coca-Cola, Red Bull, EA SPORTS, PlayStation, Apple, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, American Express. Experience working with brands that activate around premium sports properties (i.e UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, Premier League) would be highly advantageous.
Skills
Why Join?
This is an opportunity to help shape the next phase of Better Collective's commercial evolution. You'll have the freedom to create innovative partnership products, build long-term relationships with some of the world's biggest brands and influence how Better Collective delivers value to advertisers across Europe. Working at the intersection of sport, content, talent and audience intelligence, you'll help build a premium partnerships business designed for the future of sports marketing.
Sales Director - Brand Partnerships (UK, IT, FR, ES) employer: Better Collective
Better Collective is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment at the forefront of the gaming and esports industry. With a strong emphasis on innovation and collaboration, employees are encouraged to develop their skills and explore new commercial opportunities while working with some of the biggest brands in sports and gaming. The hybrid work model in London provides flexibility, allowing for a balanced professional and personal life, making it an attractive place for passionate individuals looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Director - Brand Partnerships (UK, IT, FR, ES)
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Sales Director - Brand Partnerships (UK, IT, FR, ES) at Better Collective, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Better Collective. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales Director - Brand Partnerships (UK, IT, FR, ES). Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Director - Brand Partnerships (UK, IT, FR, ES)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Better Collective:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Better Collective. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Better Collective
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Better Collective that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Better Collective that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Better Collective’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
