Head of Partnership Activations

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.