At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting partnership activations and create unforgettable fan experiences at Bristol Bears.
- Company: Join the dynamic Bristol Bears Rugby team, part of a vibrant sports community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, gym access, and discounts on matchday tickets.
- Other info: Flexible working options available and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sports marketing while engaging with passionate fans.
- Qualifications: Experience in sponsorship activation and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
REPORTS TO: Partnership Activations Executive & Operations And Events Executive
LOCATION: Bristol Bears High Performance Centre, Abbots Leigh, Bristol, BS8 3TF. Where required, the role may include duties at off-site locations. Opportunities for home working can be discussed during recruitment.
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent
WORKING HOURS: 37.5 hours per 5 day week
CLOSING DATE: Thursday 2nd July at midnight
ABOUT BRISTOL BEARS
Bristol Bears Rugby is part of Stephen Lansdown’s sporting group of companies which includes Bristol Sport, Bristol City Football, Bristol Flyers Basketball and each of their respective community charities. Our vision is ‘to inspire our community through rugby success’. Our supporters regularly attend Ashton Gate Stadium to watch the team perform in Premiership and European Cup Competitions as well as our Women’s team who play at the highest level of domestic competition.
ROLE SUMMARY
The Head of Partnership Activations will lead the delivery and execution of all commercial partnership rights, matchday activations, fan engagement initiatives, and large-scale club events, including Big Day Out fixtures and community-facing experiences. This role is responsible for ensuring all partners receive exceptional value through innovative activations while enhancing the overall supporter experience across all touchpoints, working closely with commercial, marketing, operations, media, and the performance departments to create memorable experiences that drive commercial growth, supporter engagement, and brand reputation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Partnership Activations
- Lead the planning, management, and delivery of all sponsor and partner activations across matchdays, digital platforms, community events, and club campaigns.
- Ensure all contractual partnership rights are fulfilled to a high standard and within agreed timelines.
- Maintain partnership satisfaction scores measured via partner surveys.
- Develop innovative activation concepts that maximise partner visibility and engagement.
- Maintain strong day-to-day relationships with commercial partners and key stakeholders.
- Work collaboratively with the commercial team to support partner retention and new business opportunities.
- Produce post-event and end-of-season partnership reports, including ROI analysis and activation summaries.
- Matchday & Fan Engagement
- Oversee matchday entertainment and fan engagement activity to enhance supporter experience.
- Lead the planning and execution of supporter initiatives, family activities, fan zones, player appearances, and in-stadium experiences.
- Manage fan engagement strategies aimed at increasing attendance, supporter engagement and community connection.
- Coordinate cross-departmental delivery of matchday activations and entertainment schedules.
- Lead the operational planning, logistics and activation delivery for Big Day Out fixtures and major club events to meet strategic and club objectives.
- Coordinate external suppliers, entertainment providers, sponsors, and internal departments to ensure seamless event execution.
- Develop creative concepts to elevate the profile and commercial impact of showcase fixtures.
- Ensure all events align with the club’s brand values and supporter expectations.
- Provide and present reports at key project milestones to ensure project proposals are signed off by the club/key stakeholders.
- Identify project risks and formulate relevant strategies to manage and mitigate these.
- Leadership & Operations
- Manage activation budgets and ensure cost-effective delivery of all projects and events.
- Effectively line-manage the Partnership Activations Executive and Operations and Event Executive.
- Support the wider commercial and marketing strategy of the club.
- Liaise with group stakeholders to arrange and implement best practice at events to ensure safe delivery in accordance with health and safety legislation as well as safeguarding, medical and security.
- Ensure all activity complies with health & safety, safeguarding, and venue regulations.
- Assist with club-wide campaigns, launches, and strategic initiatives as required.
- Liaise with Head of Finance and Chief Executive Officer to ensure budget targets are met.
- Contribute positively to the Bears vision and culture.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
- Chief Executive Officer
- Partnership Activations Executive
- MarComms Team
- Bears Staff and Players
- Key stakeholders involved in the delivery of Big Day Out
- Bears Operations and Commercial departments
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Proven experience in sponsorship activation, partnership management, account management, or sports marketing.
- Excellent project management and organisational skills.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Experience delivering integrated marketing campaigns and live events.
- Commercial awareness with a focus on delivering value for partners.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM or partnership management systems.
DESIRABLE SKILLS
- Experience working within professional sport, major events, or entertainment.
- Experience managing staff or leading a team.
- Knowledge of digital marketing, content creation, and fan engagement strategies.
- Understanding of sponsorship measurement and ROI reporting.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
- Responsible for ensuring all health and safety procedures are followed at all times, with relevant documentation to support.
- To ensure all employees complete the training required to do their job.
- Report all incidents and accidents as required.
- To complete and review the risk assessments for their department.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
We are committed to the principle of equal opportunity and its policies for recruitment, selection, training, development and promotion are designed to ensure that no employee or potential employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability or gender reassignment.
SAFEGUARDING
Bristol Rugby Club Limited is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. This role would be subject to a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check.
BENEFITS
- WORK LIFE BALANCE: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- FINANCIAL SECURITY: Hargreaves Lansdown pension scheme, Life assurance policy
- HEALTH & WELLBEING: Employee Assistance Programme, HPC gym access (subject to player schedules), Company Sick Pay, Career development opportunities through CPD and Apprenticeship Levy funding
- TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE PERKS: Cycle to Work scheme, Discounted First Bus travel, Electric vehicle scheme
- FOOD & ON-SITE BENEFITS: Subsidised meals at the HPC training days, Onsite parking at the HPC
- SPORT, EVENTS & DISCOUNTS: Matchday tickets for Bristol Bears Men and Women home fixtures, Ad-hoc tickets for other Bristol Sport fixtures, Discounts at Ashton Gate food and beverage outlets on matchdays, Discounts with a variety of local businesses including attractions, hotels and cafes, Discount at the Bristol Sport retail shop, Bears Kit (where applicable for the role)
*Please note that some benefits are non-contractual and may be subject to change as well as subject to terms and conditions.
Head of Partnership Activations in Bristol employer: Bristol Sport
Bristol Bears Rugby is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises community engagement and innovation in sports marketing. Located at the High Performance Centre in Bristol, employees benefit from a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous leave, health and wellbeing initiatives, and discounts on local attractions. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to enhancing the supporter experience and driving commercial success through exciting partnership activations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Partnership Activations in Bristol
✨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 Bristol Sport. 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 Bristol Sport. 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 Head of Partnership Activations in Bristol
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 Bristol Sport 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 Bristol Sport
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Bristol Sport, 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.
